The Nation Within Her

Composed of melanin skin and a Spanish tongue,

The grandmother speaks of a home her grandchild will never understand, saying:

“The blood which my ancestors once shed now fills my lungs.

My nation’s history is being described by men who know nothing of it.”

She continues to speak of the home her grandchild will never understand, saying:

“The suffering you’ve had the privilege to experience is the kind my people dream of.

My nation’s history is being described by men who know nothing of it.

Here, the subjugation of women is considered deplorable instead of it being exalted.

And the suffering you’ve had the privilege to experience is the kind my people dream of.

The complacency that you’ve witnessed is emblematic of the sheltered life you lead.

Here, the subjugation of women is considered deplorable instead of exalted.

And the education you so freely complain about isn't as free in my country.

The complacency that you’ve witnessed is emblematic of the sheltered life you lead.

The thicker the accent, the thicker the abuse is.

And the education you so freely complain about isn’t as free in my country.

Violence and corruption may pervade your states, but it epitomizes mine.

The thicker the accent, the thicker the abuse is.”

She is composed of melanin skin and a Spanish tongue,

Violence and corruption may pervade my states, but it epitomizes hers.

The blood which her ancestors once shed now fills her lungs.