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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (July 13, 2018)
S tre e t R oo ts • J u ly 1 3 -1 9 , 2 0 1 8 Street Poetry P ag e 13 Farmworker by Juanita Rivera Laush I am on my knees, In church, my spirit kneels before God. On the border I crouch, At the mercy of patrols: Mexican, American, In the fields, I stoop to harvest, Feeding the world abundantly My family barely. I have been brave, A military hero in revolutions, wars. Often a brave woman, equal, by my side, In combat for causes, crusades, conquests, Fighting for Spain, Mexico, America. Facing countrymen to elect leaders Respectful of the people’s needs. I enjoy The music of my culture, Rich with strings, sharp with trumpets. It brings tears with sad ballads, Pageantry with parading bands, Patriotism with songs of heroism and valor, Passion with lyrics of love. I struggle to Survive in migrant camps, Overcome the indignities of filth, poverty Find a voice in another language, Be heard by land owners, lawmakers, Improve the lives of my children, my people, Restore my pride. I am rising Education pulls my mind from slavery, Bids me stand taller, Sending my sights above the fields, Learning, being helped by others Into positions that can change my life. Enrich my children’s lives. I celebrate Happiness of church feast days, Warmth of hospitality with food, laughter, Radiance of bride and bridegroom Dancing amid families and friends, A baptized baby’s cry, Wonderous smiles of mother and father. I work, My family works together in fields, At home, on our own farms, Sometimes a country and a culture away, Money earned by all, shared by those in need. Work is a way of life, Giving pride, independence, self-worth. I am emerging, Ancestry no longer hidden, Cultural truth told with ethnic pride, Roots that boast kings, presidents, artists, Draw strength and dignity from peasants. My race a blend of Indian, Spaniard, Mexican Impressed upon my proud brown face. I am optimistic About elevation of my people With endurance, work, creativity, ability. Dreams puli me up. I rise, no longer stooping in the fields. I stand tall, looking forward, upward, With faith in manana and God’s will. I rejoice m The colors of my life , Woven into beautiful serapes Worn in contrast to brown skin, black hair. Murals painted on adobe walls, Rainbows thrown on simple altars By sun through stained glass windows. Need health insurance? CareOregon’s goMobile Team makes it easy for you to get dental, mental and physical health care under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Our community partners host us on these dates, where w e can check your eligibility for OHP, enroll you in Medicaid/OHP and make your doctor appointments! ' ' ' ' '' > ' - 'i.:- .... 'Jr' ' '\v ,:7 7 MULTNOMAH COUNTY '< ' J..'.' < ' - ''X ' WASHINGTON COUNTY CAREOREGON HOME FORWARD RESOURCE FAIR 315 SW 5th Ave, Portland ► July 11.................... . 9-11 a.m. ► July 18....................... 9-11 a.m. 16126 SE Stark St, Portland July 19......... ............ 3:30-7 p.m. JOIN 1435 NE 81st Ave, Suite 100 Portland 50 SW 2nd Ave, Portland July 3 9-11 a.m. July 12.................. ........12-2 p.m. July 10............................ 9\11 a.m. MOUNT HOOD FARMERS MARKET July 17................. 9-11 a.m. 38600 Proctor Blvd, Sandy July 24..................... 9-11 a.m. July 31............................ 9-J1 a.m. July 13...........................3-7 p.m. July 2 0 ..........................3-7 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ROSEWOOD FAMILY INIATIVE HEALTH CENTER FAIR 8935 SE Powell Blvd, Portland July 2 6 .................. L..... ..1-5 p.m. UNION GOSPEL MISSION 3 NW 3rd, Portland ► July 2 4 ......................2-4 p.m. PORTLAND RESCUE MISSION 111W Burnside, Portland July 12.......................... 8-10 a.m. July 2 6 ........................ 8-10 a.m. BEAVERTON LIBRARY .12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, July 11........... ........ ..... ....1-3 p.m. PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT 6701 NE Campus Way, Hillsboro July TJ........... ..... 9 a.m.-3 p.m. SNAP Assistance available at these locations For Information» or to host our team, cali Tamara at 503-416-1479 or Caleb at 503-416-4883. CareOregon* careoregon.org/gom obile 3 ,: goMobile te a m fil
