La Voz - November 2021

November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 San Antonio, Tejas

• Calaveras y Ofrendas 2021 •

La Voz de 2021, a remarkable year, but not in a good way,
Esperanza
especially in Texas. First, our dear guv has loosened
November 2021 the restrictions on carrying and owning guns so our
Vol. 34 Issue 9 very lives are threatened. Reproductive rights are be-
ing abolished in Texas, jeopardizing the rights of the
Editor: Gloria A. Ramírez entire nation of women. Intolerance is rampant with
Design Elizandro Carrington trans youth being targeted. Voting rights are in jeop-
Editorial Assistance: Liliana Wilson, ardy, too, with a number of restrictions and require-
ments for people of color, the elderly and otherly
Cover Art: Liliana Wilson abled. Healthcare is not available for everyone and
Calaveras y Ofrendas the Guv is doing his best to spread COVID. Immigra-
tion has been actively blocked at the southern border
Antonio C. Cabral, Norma E. Cantú, Jacinto and immigrants from Latin America and Haiti are
Jesús Cardona, Amelia Cirilo, Victor M. Cortés, being demonized. Climate change legislation? Well,
don’t hold your breath. Plenty of political fodder to write about in the form of Calaveras this
Nephtalí De León, Samantha Flores, Abril year. So guess who the favorite target is—Greg Abbott, of course!
García-Linn, Adam Gómez, Edna Campos The number of calaveras & literary ofrendas La Voz received this year was wonderful.
Gravenhorst, Mildred Hilbrich, Tom Keene, Unfortunately, we could not publish them all. We will, however, continue to publish liter-
Dennis Medina, Laura Rendón, Rosemary ary ofrendas to the dearly departed who we can honor with a poem, story or reflection. If
Reyna-Sánchez, David Rodgers, Enrique your literary ofrenda did not appear in this issue, it will be in the December/January issue.
Sánchez, Jeanie Sanders, Rita E.Urquijo-Ruiz, If you’d still like to submit a tribute to the memory of someone no longer on this earth but
present in your heart, please send in your tributes with a photo by November 5 to: lavoz@
Marilyn Wallner esperanzacenter.org.
Heartfelt thanks to the Buena gente, including artists, who contributed to this 22nd edi-
La Voz Mail Collective tion of Calaveras and Literary Ofrendas in the November issue of La Voz de Esperanza.

...is sheltering at home due to COVID-19 but —Mil gracias, Gloria A. Ramirez,editor of La Voz de Esperanza
will return when it is safe. Extra funds are being
Hey! Beloved San Antonio Raza!
raised to pay for the folding of La Voz.
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 • We finally got rid of El Pinche Orange-Faced trump, but he plans to run again in 2024, so
Esperanza Director again, let’s kick his ass out the door! Abbott is the next one to go, he’s a yes man for trump
going against the issues that are important to us Tejanos! Cruz, AKA “Chupadero”, is a po-
Graciela I. Sánchez tato (papa)—brown on the outside and white on the inside. He’s also un llorón! Since trump
lost the election, he can’t get over the lie that the election was stolen. Paxton sticks his nose
Esperanza Staff where it doesn’t belong and only cares about the rich and forgets about us taxpayers that pay
his salary.
Elizandro Carrington, Kayla Miranda,
Paul Plouf, Kristel Orta-Puente, Hey Beloved “Raza”, according to the Census, we are no longer the minority! We’ve got
the power to educate ourselves and we have the power to vote! Let’s get involved with our
Natalie Rodríguez, René Saenz, Imane Saliba, communities, our city, our county, our state and national issues. LET’S UNITE AGAIN and
Susana Segura, Amelia Valdez, Rosa Vega vote these fools out of office and replace them
with educated, caring people! Let’s get some
Conjunto de Nepantleras young blood to replace these “Old Farts”!
—Esperanza Board of Directors—
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!
Richard Aguilar, Norma Cantú, Yasmina Codina, ¡QUE DIOS NOS BENDIGA SIEMPRE!
Brent Floyd, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely,
Angie Merla, Jan Olsen, Ana Lucía Ramírez, —Rosemary Reyna-Sanchez
Gloria A. Ramírez, Rudy Rosales,
Lilliana Saldaña, Nadine Saliba, ATTENTION VOZ READERS: If you have a mailing address correction please send it to lavoz@
Graciela I. Sánchez, Lillian Stevens esperanzacenter.org. If you want to be removed from the La Voz mailing list, for whatever reason, please let us
know. La Voz is provided as a courtesy to people on the mailing list of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.
• We advocate for a wide variety of social, The subscription rate is $35 per year ($100 for institutions). The cost of producing and mailing La Voz has
economic & environmental justice issues. substantially increased and we need your help to keep it afloat. To help, send in your subscriptions, sign up as a
monthly donor, or send in a donation to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Thank you. -GAR
• Opinions expressed in La Voz are not
necessarily those of the Esperanza Center. VOZ VISION STATEMENT: La Voz de Esperanza speaks for many individual, progressive voices who are
gente-based, multi-visioned and milagro-bound. We are diverse survivors of materialism, racism, misogyny,
La Voz de Esperanza homophobia, classism, violence, earth-damage, speciesism and cultural and political oppression. We are
is a publication of recapturing the powers of alliance, activism and healthy conflict in order to achieve interdependent economic/
spiritual healing and fuerza. La Voz is a resource for peace, justice, and human rights, providing a forum for
Esperanza Peace & Justice Center criticism, information, education, humor and other creative works. La Voz provokes bold actions in response
922 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78212 to local and global problems, with the knowledge that the many risks we take for the earth, our body, and the
210.228.0201 • www.esperanzacenter.org dignity of all people will result in profound change for the seven generations to come.

Inquiries/Articles can be sent to:
[email protected]

Articles due by the 8th of each month

Policy Statements

* We ask that articles be visionary, progressive,
instructive & thoughtful. Submissions must be
literate & critical; not sexist, racist, homophobic,
violent, or oppressive & may be edited for length.
* All letters in response to Esperanza activities

or articles in La Voz will be considered for

2 publication. Letters with intent to slander
individuals or groups will not be published.

Dia de los Muertos • 2021

El Año Dos Mil Veintiuno Cementerio San Fernando

La Muerte Siriquisiaca pegada con chicle y otro material ¿verdad? Al histórico y antiguo camposanto hermoso
No me apena empezar el año calavereando así. En el merito West Side de San Antonio
Este año, dos mil veintiuno, aparenta progreso, ojala así sea. El día de muertos hay gente que llega con alborozo
Paciencia, no te acabes. Otros no van, pues dicen que ahí vive el demonio
—Enrique Sánchez, “Don Calaveras”
Se ven tumbas elegantes y otras ya muy amoladas
Terco Pero a nuestros ancestros que las habitan no les molesta para nada,
En el camposanto las clases sociales ya no cuentan más
Yo vivo en otro mundo, Pues ahí ya todos descansan en paz.
La razón es por mi vejés. Estoy atrasado,
nuevas palabras, la tecníca, ¿quien sabe? Aquí, las lapidas invitan sus epitafios repasar
Leo cualquier articulo en la prensa y no . “Esta tumba es de mi abuelita que pidió aquí venir a descansar”
¿Que será de mi? Dios dirá. “ En este sagrado hoyo terminó mi tío Armando
Dice una canción, “Cuando un amor se va, que desesperacción. Pues de tanto andar tomando aquí se encuentra descansando”
Cuando un cariño vuela nada conusuela mi corazón.
Dan ganas de llorar, no es facil olvidar al querer que se aleja y Ay mi panteón San Fernando hay mucho que trabajar
que nos deja sin compasión. Para que esos developers no te quieran desalojar
No puedo comprender que cosa es el amor, si lo que Y condominios vengan a construir
yo queria, si el alma mia me abandonó, Para que los güeros aquí se vengan a vivir.
pero no hay que llorar, hay que saber perder,
lo mismo pierde un hombre que una mujer.” Ya la catrina me vio que aquí ando muy interesado LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •
—Enrique Sánchez, “Don Calaveras” En conocer los que aquí han quedado,
Y ya hasta me tiene una fosa preparada
Pues según ella aquí será mi morada.

—Víctor M. Cortés Art: Sergio Sánchez
Santamaría

Art: Leopoldo Méndez

Bailando con los Muertos

I am constructing an ofrenda from the souls Next, my father-soul arrives as a warrior. I dance with my soul-mother and soul-father.
I hold onto my soul-son’s arm. The strength
of the dead and flores de los muertos. The souls He brings the smell of smoke from The Abode from his touch guides my feet.

perch on my shoulders awaiting their turn to of the Dead. His father-soul is godlike with its We circle down the crowded street linked for-
ever through the bond of love and death.
become part of my creation. scorn of death through love.
—Jeanie Sanders
My mother-soul appears as a butterfly Then my departed son-soul breezes into
arriving at my house with pan de muerto. my life. A big man but a graceful one.
She is hoping the smell of sweets will He brings fresh air and a forgotten
attract ‘the little angel’ my sister, who died slant to my World.
long ago without taking a first breath.
Music from the street causes all-souls
to dance. My feet become frenzied with 3
rhythm and I dance out my door.

2 0 2 1

Newsboy

You are looking at the camera- On your right hip I, your omniscient daughter,
eyes steady under your a smart leather money satchel. know you will soon go
tweed cap, These are hard times to a small desert town
knickered legs spread wide, and you pay the beat cop you’ve never heard of
an adolescent Colossus to protect you from street gangs. and in a language
astride the corner of Fifth But that won’t protect you you do not know
and Flower from the cop’s bullying demands become a merchant
in downtown L.A. for more, of boots and blue jeans.
so your mother will come
It is 1917; Lafayette knows and take what you’ve earned You will marry and take
we’re “Over There.” before you run out of this your bride to live in that place
The sheaf of papers edition. which she will begin to hate.
under your arm But what is that to me?
tells of battles and the Your choirboy smile I am your youngest child
truncated lives belies your street-smarts, impatient to be born,
of men, boys that you are a third-grade greedy and eager to have
scarcely older than you. dropout, that smile for me alone.
Too young for this war a truant whose earnings add
you will be too old for the next. to his family’s coffers. – Marilyn Wallner

When lightning strikes upon the rainbow

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 • There are moments when the storm clouds

return to engulf me in its maelstrom,

the uncertainty and its fears like a sinister fog

shroud the light that at one time guided me through opaqueness

of the cave and its tunnels that from right to left

bounced like a ball off the field of life, Cuando el relámpago pega sobre el arcoíris
I turn my sight not knowing if I’m coming or going,
Hay momentos en que las nubes de la tempestad
feeling that my steps have already left their tracks
vuelven a envolverme en su remolino,
along the path that my borrowed optimism
la incertidumbre y sus miedos como niebla tenebrosa
recognizes from the instinct that for years guided me.
ocultan la luz que en un tiempo fue mi guía dentro lo opaco
Remembering my beloved, my soulmate, Carolina Mancuso de la cueva y sus túneles que a diestra y siniestra
—David Rodgers rebotaba como pelota fuera de la cancha de la vida,

giro mi mirada sin saber si voy o vengo,

sintiendo que mis pasos ya han dejado sus huellas

por la vereda que mi optimismo prestado

reconoce por el instinto que por años me guió.

Recordando a mi amada compañera del alma, Carolina Mancuso

4 —David Rodgers

Elvira Elva Montemayor - PRESENTE!

Somehow we never really did this

In our childhood days

Never really said three simple words

I became determined to say to you

When mom passed away.

They became the words

Which now ended all of our calls.

The last words I said to you

Were not hesitantly uttered

It seems Very comfortably I simply said
That we were just on the phone I love you.
Before suddenly you were gone. I will never erase your number
On our daily talks from my phone
Somehow I could see your face
—Laura Rendón, her sister

Your smile

Sense your childlike happiness Ofrenda a mi amigo Arturo Olivas
I can’t bear to erase your number

from my phone. I was not expecting the news today.

I wish I had told you more often I knew you were fighting hard, but still…

That you are the reason I was not expecting the news today.

I am who I am today. So, now you join the pantheon of past friends Art: Liliana Wilson LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •
You didn’t finish high school Now friends
You became the daycare our mother Forever friends
Could not afford Gone friends
You fed our younger sister and me Who knows?
Took our little hands
As you walked us to school I remember when we were young, Midnight’s Milky Way
You brought us balloons and popcorn I remember you,
On Friday nights I remember us, It is dark of night that lets us
Made us smile and be hopeful I remember see our galactic light.
For a moment erase our poverty That is all I can do. It takes the depths of sorrow
I can’t bear to erase your number to enrich the heights of joy.
from my phone. Rest, peacefully, amigo
I will remain here, for now, unsettled.

Quien va cuidar a Elva, hija? —Dennis Medina It is the cruelty of injustice

Our mother said to me that drives our hunger for liberation.

Just days before she transitioned. What can we call this polarity in conflict?
I assured her I would. And what can we do once we name it?
I pray I did enough. A dilemma:
I was with you
To grab by its horns
As you tried to overcome the traumas
and wrestle it into our becoming.
Of a father’s abandonment
We call it life.
As you almost left us twice before

As you survived COVID Tom Keene and Muse
In a virus-ridden nursing home www.tomkeenesmuse.com
I can’t bear to erase your number

from my phone.

5

Masacre en Tlatelolco, No se Olvida

As we honor our beloved family and friends sending tanks and paratroopers to take over

who have left us, I’m offering this Ofrenda to the university, something that had never hap-

help remember innocent people who’ve died pened before in Mexico because universities

from State violence anywhere in the world. had been considered autonomous entities.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 • faMMbgmbaumttvitwaann1GsditdwMmmatnehenieotgtgntn9oeaoliormareatuoneceoaoaogreeeeaxcadt7ioetwtrmclssraolowhndsxxxsiiietBSSDPn1hdue0kpelhtsonnDnnndetsiiidast9tosedtrnuoroahyiccpsncisotio“bui.iu,vnía8woicTtorlscaotfootoov—oMnSaundlekItmzrgop0rthnfnnwyhralhMzoltarithgeelwitaseDsidteOoiiunetfadoDftwnTecih.tohtqe,OtsvohoauxesoerugnríeeetaTkelrtriuMtepíieacaPhkrnxsisyrshnkrldiikdattictedaczishmdlopAvasoehrihilheedsaazleehrosofoce.lsoaeleidsn.eeeparOzienirgehectaosnnmCeznnOdsrusncoloC(irioddaineotOcssw’re’rdrtUodehosgdmarhldrsrvuodredioadasueimaptibneddrtemPcdaeiNxtemtalpsenstyOaanndiraandtwehytesAahledztbsaopgondiop5iAdanlamrtrpozcts-enopenlhnme.rgbe,efaeh3zoinasdsa.tmtsmMcendnrodsrmeapDTeduooaPtsardfeedosmas.oigsnasntdreiddevbylnsuSstto)esmibtlTnarvVdaawohse2einaeloatdgtrVayceoydhGcizitshhpnryeaire,rrreeopnuacacrrenaeaaMnejcoseolrte1nieMmdern2tnroumnhepfnndsgpnehmiuvdtenw9dmpuetOs,wsni,mieurtsucaetseeevanetrt6terlev1txaiipnlhofatnahdtleeernoxrindegss8uwonparryi9Mintrkndanoddrmat.itiosricey,tdotrtfme6demlcowdetrsaiitiAh.monoCutthiwafndbthoessoaen8Lgsthhnorpettildytteiodgreneanr’,Ceetoiaeieemgátwsrioo1espyhamrlnshtsscsrhmuwrsziedai,vu9ol“g”,tgnaeeeaPsGttoaootgocssptiDde6hnyasaahnbrstfoerrrmo.wfhfwhhaaieor.saaib4mesdoesueprítsnDtoeeuvmtbsfsiaLeshseseariteahohtaeroneCtaeutnolzoieoiiríionurhapahadotncansnidumeadccetrltimuáyndnispeOne-do-te-udzhgrenlwrntolbtireedddesnmdSD-eorUcotOdwrmaehdhetaasbaoerieeanhcirnasaatnneaddlufmandooiehzsteanhIngvsinAdaharrewsuasletcutaemrtzrdai.sMdhhtphtnueslrsrourlieretaees”roottplniarhdaetlooelxyioswcukrtwgddnoaeeisrntiociaseaesouVyddnapfaoiayioparnrodnnyntolsatmrsntrpirjsdohns,nnlaorobAadehMwleteaaibiderebtnbarsnhal-neulseehsjeeebdwerldgilnosyitotddiostxlnto,ottn.-gatehhse“ionvabgrI.2carennloeyotddrf-eorOthctt“arstwsiacenadebetunooieptofrvdn2eroTobaeetsdweereudltCernnarirdddaeennAPTUIsperaitkds,ayecsemngtttroeanthlalstnnhr’NohdihwwihassOspiouninftfl,ottseecssceoooawo-csohhshoicsenSMwpnstbrTreobnyo.etfmenttri,ultacbeltiluOoooeehiatddosnaOahnibeacnh,xtogasketniegoledCrauveeaesalfiretrceerditasloscdtydedne.nSaeaeoM,eciyaoesmedCgdcdarolhlbmN!isbexs”ycttne,hneolebaitetiypa,oivuosoxi“evilbnudmmoft,tisestnihiihmrdtilOMmtwOaagTooetahrScttsitcnehhatebpslseovenrlrdrhtoeihwaesaocclagooleeleisimoleirauotttio’netlUdttesnmSs.vvnyhochrsonyiOASDooySamos:csietegeeaoapeier.nnbba’agteekpegnoroSrílFdmnmlsypualOrcsdaddeenvtmrdaoovafn.oyohnotdboerzyrrAneinseuzeovanktieafaTrafaydeattonhnCor22aidcttOeev,nahinntotncsatshgSOlutleoe,tervihreaPtaaddhkwclfata!rnaonmnetlosadin1emrocetd”tineretntuDvitp.nvgneiaciars5etannMmdaotnnAtgt,noapptcdshTltiithsíh2zhdgletaloohvsaiibrisiayhhieMz’iehae1eeom#odcdlie,laaazhnesPtexidosylrcet1nuusertndsebsPsonsrwsieberrOirneoinosmstavcoetccyeoosdelnxte2coswhMnhcatmhrioroslwtccnhtierilr,prcs,eodirezeydieNcoueeeanynattedehee13aHhsanaggnooehstnrsllU.tsgxdiensoh,9dlzeenasaiaouoxtTeHeCa—nimsdse.16r.btnntkiifucnorSwatd”rntheeilntsn9e8uineedaioaasrunogu.dsnevltrDni7rfaecnaoaált,lottstlesohreroieeahhounonhn0lnacvltbtaeítemsralerodnotaaeeghnddre,ebendumosthsCwai.dztrller,antsodraeediccolsedgwdeTtdlaoectoiwirnLe.aOo4opodraomzaenolvamcoaheralllHmwa0feiannelaronyrtrlsleapnelwosnenet0dotdcbsois,lluoartidmirgozvyscstadoew,haenrtiaeonyttwse0osg.n,serhlazreyifepuebdtsftdAdde0cgtento.kesoaemomasatrnhorhmisu0nshhtskrroIeme.peradde.seryugsntomoeenedtruwoe.mrTeieepeewusroornlesmbnhhrleabaaasdrhpoiftsve-hlyiioudttn-rts-yoeoreisnceoesitfcnletymrtas,deet--,d-

Half of Me

It was a civil war: So many, that kids
Salvadorans were killing their own. had to go around them
We sided with the rich. on their morning walks to school.

Our army’s School of the Americas Decades later, one of those girls told us:
trained the death squads who I still wake from dreams where
left headless bodies in the streets. half of me is killing the other half.

6 —Tom Keene & Muse

Calaveras DE LA VOZ

North America’s Excrement El Gobernador Art: Elva Perez Tréviño
“¡Ay Como Engorde Este Año!”
Redneck star of racist rhetoric It was a warm sunny day
Usually espoused by humanity’s worst La muerte was on her way
Slithering salivations in excremental quantities, To find the man responsible
Hell hath received its most masterful inmate. For making it easily possible 
To fill her quota quickly 
Limited to promoting class divisions So many people were sickly
Intended to perpetuate white privileges
Meant to keep the fiscal minority They were told they did not need a mask
Bathing in obscene luxuries It greatly simplified her task
At the mortal expense of humanities masses, To add many more souls to her list
Unquestionable argument for a needed abortion, Covid spread through Texas like a mist
Gone at last from the social fabric:
¡Hasta la vista, racista! Governor Greg Abbot was the man
Who made the evil plan
—David Rodgers To ban mask mandates in schools
He took selfish parents for fools
El Sujeto Indecente
When she saw Greg Abbot scoot by
Habia un sujeto, que era muy grosero She caught up to him to ask him why
—y cochino en su manera de hablar y actuar,
Soñaba en ser president, ¡y lo logro! To thank him was her true goal
Las calaveras lo seguian y observaban He rewarded her with his soul
—en silencio esperando el momento… He took one look at her and died of fright 
La Muerte left Texas filled with delight
Era indecente con las mujeres, sugeriendo
—cualquier cosa que queria hacer con ellas! —Abril Garcia-Linn
Se reia y se reia con placer y poder!
Las calaveras esperaban el momento… La Calavera Catrina LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •

Muchas mujeres lo acusaron de violación, Una noche I was sleeping like a leño cuando La Calavera Catrina
—el muy inocente, se reia con placer y poder! comes to me in a sueño whispering yo soy tu madrina…so
Y sus compañeros lo apoyaban en todo mal, have you come for me …no not to worry Macario…Macario…
—dandole alas para volar y hacer mas males my name is Chuy …boo hoo I thought you were Macario…
Por fin, las calaveras dijeron, ¡BASTA! ¡Chinelas! no te digo I’m just getting too old…I like your hat
Se cansaron de observar! though…gracias Chuy…it’s all about the shades you know River
Llego el momento de actuar! Styx Charon the boatman…I hear he can be a cabrón y Cerberus
Pero primero, ay que preparar! el three-headed dog is seboso in my book just sayin’…I could tell
Los guantes negros se pusieron, La Catrina andaba poca trastornada and before I knew it we were
Para no contaminar! at this cantina and los farolazos kept coming as we continued
platicando about the politics of being la pelona…you know Chuy
Comentaron unas a las otras, I just hate it when la gente confuse me with la llorona and don’t
TU lo agarras de los pelos de color get me started on Diego Rivera he’s so overrated…y pobre Fri-
Y TU lo estiras de sus deditos que apuntan da… but it’s la burla Chuy…the Day of the Dead burla bruhaha is
Y YO lo amarro de sus partes privadas getting to me and if I see one more sugar skull…oh well I know
—que tanto daño hicieron, it’s a fest and lest we forget and that it’s all in jest so gracias por
Y todas al contar TRES, lo arrastramos todo Chuy… it’s just that esta noche I just felt like Lesley Gore
y lo hechamos ¡AL POSO! when she sang “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” …but be-
¡Basta con sus maldades e injusticias! fore I go Chuy I must tell you what I love about San Anto is that
you all have a Calle Dolorosa…here comes la carroza…wanna
—Mildred Hilbrich go for a vuelticita…and that’s when yo abrí mis ojos and felt like
going to Bedoy’s Bakery to buy some Day of the Dead bread

—Jacinto Jesús Cardona 7

8 LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •

Calavera

El Abbott The

La Muerte was taking a stroll
When she noticed a woman carrying a pole
It was holding up a sign 
that read GREG ABBOTT MUST RESIGN!

The women of Texas were furious
La Muerte was now so curious
To know why they were raising their voice
 As they  chanted “My body! My choice!”

 Abortion, illegal in Texas was wrong
She knew what she has to do all along

To take him to hell was her ultimate goal 
But before she could take his putrid soul
She wanted to ask him if he was prepared 
To care for the babies he had so ignorantly spared

She crept behind him and tapped her bony finger
Upon his shoulder she did linger
As he slowly turned his frightened head 
She was surprised to see he was already dead

His rotten heart stopped at the sight
Of millions of women ready to fight
She laughed at his weak heart reflexes 
It turned out to be what’s best for Texas

—Abril Garcia-Linn

Art: Mary Agnes Rodríguez

asde la Voz

Atolondrado

Que actúa sin serenidad y reflexión.
Que persona con poder como nuestro

gobernador
anda a veces atolondrado.
Se dió cuenta Calacas y vino por él a

Tejas.
Ojalá no suceda como al Trumpudo
que no sabe cuando parar.
!Ya basta!

—Enrique Sánchez, “Don Calaveras”

“GUV” Art: Mary Agnes Rodríguez

Gobernador de Tejas

El actual inhumano gobernador de Tejas
Una vez mas, con sus leyes nefastas nos quiere intimidar,
A las mujeres sus derechos pretende eliminar y cree que no habrá quejas
Pobre ignorante no se da cuenta que ellas ya se empezaron a organizar.

En nuestros cuerpos nosotras decidimos y nos vas a respetar
Decididas estamos y en toda la nación con marchas te protestamos,
Ni pienses que con tus leyes machistas nos vas a espantar
Y con nuestras compañeras y compañeros esto sí que lo arreglamos.

Biden’s Budget $$$

con su ministra del budget Ron Nire
andaba ya la Catrina
revisando presupuestos Mayor of San An
de gobiernos a cantinas Use mermaid ske
el alcalde de san a
queremos 3.5 le dicen los Domocrazies habla español y e
kilos de masa pa los tamales? va al gimnasio y s
de nopales? or patas pal menudito? compra ramos de
lengua, tripas or pollo frito? es un gringo achic
come tacos de ven
pelaron ojos los diputados hay en su birthday
some even went para el escusado y hasta menudo c
thinking how gross era la madama wachando the city
eating raw fish pero sin escamas he was appropriat
he declared chica
sanabaviche! Gritó uno de ellos. and the people sa
you’re close, we call it seviche, between him and
slurping caldito coloradito they all broke wit
de pescado y camarones

and then the republic rats,
esos otros burro crats,
dijeron that’s too much money

but you spent 8 trillion, honey,
in the 20-year-war on terror
it wasn’t a fiscal error
write it down ministra flaca
así dijo la Calaca

por andar de fanfarrones
me llevo a todos estos gorrones
en chones o en pantalones
en faldas de Gucci o Prada
pan de muertos con ensalada

en un morral hechó a todos
marcándolos con el lodo
de su fango cesspool swamp
y de pilón también dijo
me quiero llevar a Trump!

—© Nephtalí De León

9 LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •

Mas te vale que sepas que ya estamos hasta el copete
Primero te aliaste con tu presidente inepto y depravado,
Pues las soluciones para acabar con el COVID le valían sorbete
Ahora tu sigues de malvado, pero pronto te vamos a echar a un lado.

La huesuda, todas las acciones de este tipo está observando
Y le dice, mas te vale que nuestros ovarios los vayas respetando,
Que nosotras decidimos si vamos o no a parir
Y tú no tienes derecho a querer intervenir.

Respeta los derechos de la mujer y deja ya de joder
Si no, a Austin me verás llegar cantando
Y aunque sea tu hora de comer
Al camposanto sin compasión te llevaré arrastrando.

–Víctor M. Cortés, 2021

enberg to save us from the virus
and political dividers
ntonio, TexAztlan
una Pelona bilingüe
eleton image salió del mar y le dice
hay mi Ronito Nireno
anto quiero que seas mi sireno
esperanto
su waifa cuando Ron le vió la cola
con aletas de pescado
cilantro le dijo vete tú sola
yo ya estoy enamorado
canado
nado nomás vamos a nadar
y piñatas le dijo la Peloncita
con patas y la que todo nos quita
se llevó al alcalde Ron
y’s purse
ted in reverse la Pelona suspiró
ano day la música se apagó
aid hooray! ¡y el Ron desapareció!

commissioners —© Nephtalí De León
th traditioners

Calaveras DE LA VOZ

Araceli Herrera Castillo Azul

el desierto de sonora con domesticas unidas moriré aunque fuera grillo Azul le gustaba el cielo
lo cruzó Araceli Herrera ya no vivían tan sufridas dijo Araceli Castillo aunque estuviera morado
y por si poco lo fuera a curarse las heridas ¡ya ni pa que chillo! o color anaranjado
también el kalagahari por ser tan inofensivas ¡y se nos fue valentona con rayos como sotol
con la merita Pelona! con el ocaso del sol
ay carajo no me rajo necesito una valiente
pensaba Araceli Hererra le dijo una dama extraña – © Nephtalí De León ¿acaso te gusta prieto?
si no hallo la carretera tráiba peluca la mona un esqueleto quieto
me lleva la que me trajo y de aretes dos arañas le pregunta de repente
a la bella incandescente

pos llegó en locomotora modesta la Miss Castillo Azul que era siempre estrella
y formó una agrupación dijo en que puedo servir que arrullaba la esperanza
d´hembras trabajadoras pos ayudar a los muertos le dió comenzón de panza
en defensa de pensión porque te vas a morir nomás dijo dame chansa…

y en plática gitanesca

Jesse Borrego Mr. President de bohemias encantadas
Azul y la Calavera

en la calle flores, Jesse Calavera wore her sexiest gown cantaron su corazón
un día se bajó del bos It was glittery red from her thin neck down a la linda primavera
y que le pega la tos She was ready to meet the orange faced clown
tecumseh! tecumseh! ya después que se hizo tarde
y una dama admiradora She had to look good dijo Azul, yo ya tengo mi baúl,
le dijo captivadora For she knew that he would sin boss mandamás, ni dueño,
that sounds like the hero Notice her figure and think that he could se retiraron las dos
that you played in hollywood ¡a su one way dulce sueño!
Grab her where the sun don’t shine ‘‘ call me”
como era nativo el Jesse For he never failed to cross the line – © Nephtalí De León
nomás dijo así parece When he saw something sexy and fine
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •
y de orgullo como un scout She bent over slowly as he entered the room
he felt his blood in and out She wanted to tease him before he discovered his doom
como cuando andaba cruising He quickly approached her and began to loom
low and steady con el freddy
Over her body, his tiny hands could not stop
y una scout de hollywood He felt her boney figure from bottom to top
in a happy drunken mood When he noticed no skin his weak heart did pop
shouting bonily about Calavera laughed with joy when he finally dropped
I’m looking for a leading man
dijo Jesse, at your command As she finished her job she was gleaming with pride
Because she knew she’d be thanked by women worldwide
what role will I represent?
you´re so spiritual —Abril Garcia-Linn

you´ll be the muerto

y como andaba de suerte A la Maestra Leticia Cortés La calaca garbancera ya estaba muy enmuinada
con botella de tequila Pues esa actitud no le agradaba para nada
al Jesse high as a huila Leticia, que al estudiante distingue Y sin darle tiempo al ignorante rezongón
¡que se lo lleva la Muerte! Siempre y cuando respete la educación bilingüe, De una patada lo aventó a un oscuro cajón
A los padres de la escuela IRMA RUIZ Pa’ llevárselo derechito al panteón
– © Nephtalí De León siempre los convence Y ya no ofenda a la bilingüe educación.
Que esa educación es la que vence
10 Ya la maestra Cortés en el cielo
Una vez que la maestra su clase impartía su clase bilingüe imparte
Un padre muy rezongón le decía Y la huesuda entusiasmada le dice
Que a su hijo esa educación no le servía “yo quiero poder ayudarte”,
La maestra Cortés muy triste y desilusionada Los ángeles y querubines estudian con interés
Por esa actitud, del padre tan ingrata Pues ya se pueden comunicar en español e inglés.
De pura tristeza, estiró la pata.
–Víctor M. Cortés, 2021

Catarina Munguia Hassett, A Tejano Family Story

By Edna Campos Gravenhorst

The time has come to tell Catarina’s story that I recall from When I was twelve years old and announced I was go-
conversations and research. This family story is only the be- ing to be a writer. My Tío Chuy gave me his old Underwood
ginning; there will be more to come about the life and times of typewriter that he had held on to it for decades and was still in
Catarina Munguia Hassett. its original case. When I was in high school, Tío Chuy gave
me his father’s ranch journal. My Papa Grande Antonio, had
When I was about seven years old, my Mama Grande started documenting ranch business in 1927. When Antonio
begun telling me family stories. At the time Catarina Mun- Munguia Hassett died in 1937; his son Jesús kept up with ranch
guia Hassett was about eighty-three. She was very active and income, expenses and managing cattle in the journal. To our
her mind was sharp, but her hearing was failing. We had to family’s good fortune; Antonio and
shout to be heard. She was very soft spoken. I never thought Jesus also started recording family
of Mama Grande as being old, she walked miles every day accounts in the journal.
and prepared meals for her adult children at the ranch. Tío
Vicente had always lived there, Tío Chuy moved back and My abuela, Isabel Hassett Send-
forth from Freer. My Buela Isabel, “Chavela”, moved back to ejo and mami, Consuelo Sendejo
the ranch to take care of Mama Grande after my Buelo Juan Campos inherited Catarina Mun-
passed away in 1962. Buela lived at the ranch, but maintained guia’s love of land and the impor-
a house in Freer until she passed away in 1995. tance passing on family history.
Abuela and Mami collected and
On weekends when we went to see Mama Grande, I played protected photographs and docu-
with my siblings and my mother’s cousins. I always ended up sit- ments for decades, so that one day
ting on the porch listening to Mama Grande’s stories before the I could tell Catarina’s story. Soon, I
end of our visits. I had no idea that my great grandmother could will complete the story.
not read or write; and was recounting our family’s past, through
oral history. It would take me 40 years to start looking for Note: Excerpt from a book
information to confirm that the folk tales passed down through in progress.
generations were not just stories, but actual family history.

Mi mama, un ángel de Dios Una mujer hermosa LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •
Y un ángel de dios
Sylvia M. Gomez, Cada dia y cada noche
January 27, 1957 - February 2, 2021. Me dará sus besos del cielo

Para todos que sufrieron con COVID-19 Mis últimas palabras para ti,
Y para mi mama que morio de lo mismo ...I love you...
Una profesora de tecnologia y bilingue edu- Y tus primeras por mi,
cación ...je ‘taime
And an educator of any child with special needs
—Adam Gómez

RADIOACTIVITY (circa 1981)

lifegiver deathdealer cloudburst fallout

timedates radiates decays scatters

leveledcity whatapity 3MileIsland noman’sland

energysource lightningforce decompose disperse

warweapon peaceace healthaid industrailpower

fearbrought joysought futuretell heavenhell

–Amelia Cirilo

The re-publication of this poem in Voz de la Esperanza is a homage to my mother who passed in 2019 at age 94. As a Mexican American 11
woman, she was a trailblazer. Once, when she interviewed for a job during the 1950s, she was told that “a Mexican woman would never teach
science in high school.” She was certified at the Master level in nuclear physics at the time. Her first professional job was teaching first grade
in a rural elementary school. Later, she would become head of the science department at La Joya (TX) High School and eventually taught
at elementary, junior high, high school, community college and university levels. She wrote this poem around 1980, published then by the
School of Humanities at Pan American University (now University of Texas-Pan American). – Dennis Medina

Art by La Ollita
Francisco Zuniga
Terminó en ser piñata
Las Tres Mujeres: Olga, Carla y Rita —una olla muy gordita
La usaron para ese fin
Según Olga Talamante Carla a Rita contrata, —por estar estrelladita, Art by Guadalupe Posada
Carla Lucero es estrella Olga tenía razón, Hábiles manos forjaron
sus óperas son brillantes  La conexión fue inmediata, —su útil futuro: ¡Buen saludo!
sobre mujeres “de aquellas” trabajan con corazón  Era buena para caldos, frijolitos,
—sin olvidar al menudo.
Recordemos que con “Juana” “—Gracias, Rita” dice Carla Se esmeraba en los atoles,
Lucero se consagró “por trabajar arduamente” —excelente para ponches,
y a nuestra monja lesbiana le agradece en cada charla, Al mediodia era parte de
en su ópera exaltó su pasión es evidente —presentar buenos lonches.
Perdió con el tiempo el brillo
Alicia Gaspar de Alba  “—Soy yo quien te lo —y se vistió de ollín.
su “Sueño” ya ha realizado  agradece,” Calacas le dió un buen palo
y al colaborar con Carla  dice Rita, conmovida —y se volvió tepalcate, !Que fin!
gran regalo nos han dado “lo mejor tú te mereces,
porque tu arte salva vidas” —Enrique Sánchez,
Con “Juana” la Jotería “Don Calaveras”
en L.A. se congregó Entretenidas estaban 
y Olga con sabiduría  las dos mujeres artistas A les poetas de San Anto
un nuevo plan orquestó pero alguien las acechaba Desde inframundo buscaba su musa
y era la Muerte maldita
“—Una misión importante  La Calacaca, poeta y cantante,
es unir a mujeres fuertes  “—Ya déjense de sus tenkius”
Carla, seguirás triunfante  dijo Calaca molesta Se pasó por la UTSA luego llegó a TAMUSA
y tengo algo que ofrecerte” “ustedes se creen muy genios
pero pa’ mí esto apesta” Pero, no encontró consonante!
En San Antonio está Rita 
yo te conecto con ella La Tilica enfurecida Hasta que llegó a OLLU y ahi sí disfrtuó
profe, poeta y artista  cortó Zoom echando chispas
es “familia” y de alma bella quedó bien establecida Al encontrar a Octavio Quintanilla
su maldad con las artistas
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 • L.A. Ópera llamó a Carla Sentadito en su lujosa silla.
para enorme cometido “—Desde Tejas a Califas
ofrecieron invitarla voy por cada una de ellas “Vente Octavio, no te quedes,” asi se lo llevó
a producir lo debido Olga, Carla, Rita ¿listas?
ahora serán mis centellas” “Ven hacerles compañia a Carmen Tafolla y a Jenny
En español, una obra
de su tipo, la primera, – Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz también a Laurie Ann y Vocab Andrea.”
historia esencial recobra
con Jesús, quien pereciera A si misma se lamentaba, que hacer con tanto poeta,

“Esta mandada de poetas laureados me tienen atarantada

con sus versos y canciones. Ya no se ni quien soy yo,

que si Flaca, o Calaca, que si Pelona o Huesuda!”

Octavio se resignó, Carmen hacia el rio se dirigió,

Vocab cantó, y Laurie Ann se rió…

Con gran carcajada la Catrina concluyó:

“En San Anto abundan les poetas,

eso sí lo sé yo. Pablo Miguel Martínez,

Rosemary Catacalos, Naomi Shihab

Nye, J. Alejandro, Natalia Treviño,

Jesse Cardona, John Espinoza,

Rod Carlos Rodriguez,

Anthony “The Poet,”

Se llama “Las tres mujeres” Eduardo Garza, Darrell Pittman,
y son de Jerusalén 
centran la historia y a seres Amalia Ortiz, Enrique Sánchez,
que luchan por el poder
y tantas y tantos y tantes mas!

Por eso me les llevo toditites

a pasar una temporada juntites

a declamar y cantar a sus anchas, allá

por el inframundo!” Art by Lola Cueto

—Norma E. Cantú

12 Art by Carolina Flores

OF SWEEPING Chuy Negrete LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •

1 Con su guitarra y armónica el corrido cantaba
Y así, a los trabajadores del campo aligerar su jornada,
A dry cold March wind whistles through Nació en tierra potosina, pero al año el río Bravo cruzó,
weather beaten windowsills Su padre en la pizca del betabel también trabajó.
sweeps playgrounds clean where chamacos
spin trompos Su canto en favor del campesino siempre floreció
on rock hard barren ground Gringo abusivo ya no explotes a mi hermano, siempre cantó,
I wrap el zumbel tightly around the belly Al estudiante en el Campus siempre entusiasmaban
of my beloved trompo Las notas de su armónica y la guitarra mucho los animaba,
upon its release my trompo spins into a zumbido Ay hermano, raza mía nunca dejes de estudiar
I grin and my chapped lips crack Pa’que el rico europeo ya te deje de explotar.
2
En las huelgas de maestras y maestros en Chicago
Amá keeps her frayed broom in a corner Su canto, su armónica y guitarra siempre estaban presentes,
next to the ice box Donde hubiera injusticia contra su gente, Chuy estaba al
when she sweeps no crumb could be found frente
on her kitchen floor Y con su música y versos la cosa se ponía más candente
las hormigas wept
Quien pensaría que los planes de Chuy la parca cambiaría
3
Y a nuestro trovador querido este año lo visitaría
When I was inexplicably losing too much weight Porque la flaca entrometida a nadie perdona,
Amá took me y sin pedir permiso se lo llevó la cabrona
to la curandera who covers me with a bed sheet
from head to toe Ahora todos lo extrañamos en las marchas y en la huelga
sweeping el susto anxiety out of me Pues ya no tenemos al que nos alegraba con su canto
la curandera tells Amá basil leaves are good Aunque él allá en el cielo con todos esté de juerga
for what grieves Nosotros aquí en la lucha
extrañamos mucho
4 su canto.

Amá believed in a good sweep –Víctor M. Cortés, 2021
when her last breath swept over me
I wept
—Jacinto Jesús Cardona

Your love is felt First breath You’re looking down I’m Honor the Warrior
first steps sure
Your love is felt first Christmas, Easter, too from your home now up Thank you for your service
across states first time walking the stage above and your arm
overseas it’s all because of you reunited with those we’ve your leg
between this life lost both legs
and the next You are ours and we are happy, peaceful, your nightmares
yours surrounded by our love your marriage
It holds us close And look how far we’ve your life.
it spreads out far come Until we meet again
it helps us grow how much we’ve grown and we’ll hold you close in our – Marilyn Wallner 13
despite however many miles done hearts
keep us apart always coming back together knowing that each memory
to see and love as one is a gift, a piece of you
Our love for you that we’ll treasure forever
is even more even though we are apart
endless and everlasting
it lives in us —Samantha Flores
every day
bringing us together
especially today

RINCONCITONews
from Esperanza’s Sale del Westside

MujerArtes’

October 25th- November 8th!

Enjoy beautifully, handcrafted art pieces in celebration of Día de los Muertos!

Since 1995, Mujer Artes Cooperativa de Esperanza Peace & Justice Center’s members have shaped
clay into historic snapshots of their lives as Chicana/Mexicana/Latina women. Each of their painted
creations is unique and makes a wonderful gift!

Shop online at www.facebook.com/MujerArtes or call 903.600.1066 to schedule an
appointment to visit the studio from 9am to 5pm.

MujerArtes Adobe Studio • 816 S. Colorado St.

_______

Women & Activism in the Westside Exhibit @ www.museodelwestside.org

In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, the Museo del Westside located at the Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 S Colorado St, has now
added new profiles to the virtual exhibit that include Lydia Mendoza, Mary Agnes Rodríguez, and Josephine Mancha!

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 • Josephine Mancha _______

Esperanza’s Dia de los Muertos November 1-8, 2021

Join la Buena Gente de Esperanza for our annual celebration at the Rinconcito de Esperanza!
A large outdoor community altar at the corner of Guadalupe & S. Colorado streets will honor
the dearly departed we hold dear, as well as victims of COVID-19. A dozen community altars
will also grace the Rinconcito at 816 S. Colorado. For more online & outdoor events check:

FaceBook.com/esperanzacenter • YouTube.com/esperanzacenter

_______

ThankYou JardinVolunteers!

In preparation for Día de los Muertos , the Esperanza initiated the project Jardines y Viviendas del Westside,
a community garden project in response to the Pandemic and Gentrification. Centered in San

Antonio’s Historic Westside, the cempasúchil (marigold) gardens were planted at El
Rinconcito de Esperanza as well as at the Alazán-Apache courts.The project

included a Limpia (cleansing) of Our Barrio and Ambiente. Visit El Rinconcito,
816 South Colorado St. (@ Guadalupe St) where the Jardines start and drive
the neighborhood to view our work del alma y corazón. Special thanks
to the many volunteers and workers that made this possible and to
the Arnosky family farm in Blanco, Texas who donated thousands

14 of marigolds to beautify our Westside! ¡Que vivan los Jardines!

Notas Y Más Start your 2021
tax deductible gifts
November 2021
Give to the Esperanza in spirit of solidarity so we
Community meetings and art events are currently on hold due can continue to speak out, organize and fight
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check websites, FB or call 210-228- for our communities for another 30 Years. Your
0201 for virtual meetings and arts programming for each month. support is needed NOW more than ever! Thank
www.esperanzacenter.org you for your gifts!
Send donations to Esperanza
Centro Cultural Aztlan and open to the public. See: www.
Esperanza Peace
presents its 44th annual Día luminariasa.org And Justice Center
de los Muertos exhibition,
922 San Pedro Avenue
Altares y Ofrendas at the Centro’s San Antonio, TX 78212

exhibition space at 1800 Fredericks- To sign up as a monthly donor,
Call 210.228.0201 or
burg Rd #103. Opening Reception is
email: [email protected]
Tuesday, November 2nd from 6-9pm.
Visit www.esperanzacenter.org/donate
The exhibit continues thru November for online giving options.

5th. Check: centroaztlan.org ¡Mil Gracias!

The LUMINARIA

Contemporary Arts Survivor’s Network of
Festival at the Hemisfair those Abused by
grounds in San Antonio is on Satur- Priests, meets virtually every 1st and

day, November 13, 2021 from 3rd Tues. 7-9pm. Contact Patti Koo,

6:00pm-Midnight. Featuring more 956.648.7385 or snappkoo@gamil.
than 50 artists from across Texas, com or Zac Zepeda at 210.317.7511
including music, arts, film, dance, or [email protected]

theatre, poetry, lights and large-scale Community Meetings in La Voz will
art installations LUMINARIA is free be updated & returns soon. Check FB
or online for info. on meetings.

West Side Rising: The Last Butter f ly LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •

How San Antonio’s 1921 Flood Devastated La Última Mariposa
a City and Sparked a Latino Environmental

Justice Movement

By Char Miller

Published September, 2021, Trinity University Press By/Por Regina Moya & Carmen Tafolla 15

$29.95* Illustrated By Regina Moya

Preorder at: bit.ly/WestSideRising Just in time for Holiday giving!
* Obtain a 20% discount using promo codes:
Order now from Juventud Press for $21.95
Esperanza, WPA or MACRI bit.ly/last-butterfly

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 9 •

AZUL at home concert Dia de Los Muertos Celebration
Mariachi Music • Altars • Jardines

SAT. Nov. 27 @ 8pm CT (English) Nov. 1 & 2, 6pm @

SUN. Nov. 28 @ 3pm CT (Spanish) Rinconcito de Esperanza

FaceBook.com/esperanzacenter See p.14 for more info

YouTube.com/esperanzacenter

La Peña Gallery’s St. Cecilia’s Feast Day Esperanza Peace & Justice Center Non-Profit Org.
Exhibition 922 San Pedro San Antonio TX 78212 US Postage
210.228.0201 • www.esperanzacenter.org PAID
Renderings of Santa Cecilia:
La patrona de la música San Antonio, TX
Permit #332

Haven’t opened La Voz in a while? Prefer to read it online? Wrong address?
TO CANCEL A SUBSCRIPTION EMAIL [email protected] CALL: 210.228.0201

Opening Reception
Sat., Nov. 13, 2021 from 7:00 to 9:00pm

227 Congress Avenue, ATX 78701

For More Info
512•477•6007 • www.lapena-austin.org

Saturday, November 20,2021

At the historic Guadalupe Theater 11301 Guadalupe Street

7:30 am 1921 Flood Creek Side Remembrance -
El Paso St. at the Alazan Creek 8:30 am
Check-in and refreshments at the Guadalupe -
1301 Guadalupe St.

9:00 am Welcome

9:10 am Keynote - The History and Legacy of the 1921 Flood -
Dr. Char Miller

10:00 am Panel - Community Organizing for Flood Abatement

11:10 am Panel - Restoration of the Alazan & Apache Creeks

Noon Lunch & Book Signing

1:30 pm Artistic Interpretations

2:10 pm Panel - Remembering the Dead

3:20 pm Tour of 1921 Flood Graves at San Fernando Cem-
etery #1 - Sylvia Reyna 1110 S. Colorado St.

4:30 pm Circle of Remembrance and Closing Reception at
Casa de Cuentos 816 S. Colorado St.