Skip to content

January Neighborhood Poet

Mari


(Slam bio)

18 through 23,
that's what you call me,
formerly houseless youth living in this ageist, capitalist society.
There's a house for you, you, and you
But only Section 8 vouchers for me.
I am a warrior, a champion, a struggling survivor
Living through the politics of a privileged white women's higher
educational institution.
Waiting for to me fall on my face.
Waiting for me to give up my hope.
Never!
And you better not doubt me,
Cuz uh, I am MUCH more powerful than you think I can be.

23rd Y Shotwell   by Mari

The Resistance to Forced Displacement
(Diaspora)
Of a Mission District Neighborhood

BOOM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM BOOM
BOOM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM BOOM
BOOM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM BOOM
BOOM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM THA KA TUM
Hands pounding. Hips moving. Rhythm and Motion
Flowing down that concrete jungle space

Walk down and you will see the murals, flores
Trees, houses, and la gente.
Step into this barrio.
And open your Corazon y alma
Feel the passion that breathes inside this
community. Feel the amor that exists
between people
Feel the resistance they have to their
Conquistadors.
The aroma of the pupusas. frijoles. y came
Cooking inside people's homes.
Children laughing, playing, and giggling as
you pass by
then you step out and are back in your
own community and realize how lucky and
blessed you are that for a moment in
tiempo you got to be a part of...
23rd y Shotwell


Footer color stripe
Have a question?
Contact Us  |   Frequently Asked Questions  |   Ask a Librarian  |   Search Our Site
Privacy Policy · Copyright © 2002-08 by San Francisco Public Library. All rights reserved. · Internet & Computer Use

Last Modified: April 28, 2006

Valid XHTML 1.0!