Why Am I So Brown?
for Raquel Guerrero
A question Chicanitas sometimes ask
while others wonder: Why is the sky blue
or the grass so green?
Why am I so Brown?
God made you brown, mi’ja
color bronce–color of your raza
connecting you to your raices,
your story/historia
as you begin moving towards your future.
God made you brown, mi’ja
color bronce, beautiful/strong,
reminding you of the goodness
de tu mama, de tus abuelas
y tus antepasados.
God made you brown, mi’ja
to wear as a crown for you are royalty–
a princess, la raza nueva,
the people of the sun.
It is the color of Chicana women–
leaders/madres of Chicano warriors
luchando por la paz y la dignidad
de la justicia de la nacion, Aztlan!
God wants you to understand…brown
is not a color…it is:
a state of being a very human texture
alive and full of song, celebrating–
dancing to the new world
which is for everyone…
Finally, mi’ja
God made you brown
because is it one of HER favorite colors!
Trinidad Sanchez, Jr.
Sánchez was a Chicano poet, author and activist who wrote about race, culture, and social issues. His other well-known writings include “Jalapeño Blues” and “Authentic Chicano Food is Hot!” He co-authored “Poems by Father and Son” with his father, Trinidad V. Sánchez, who also was a poet.
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I live in Africa as a European-actually my history is much more complicated & I have yet to find out where I really come from but my 3rd daughter one day came back from school & said, asked, was dreaming, all these things, “I want to be golden brown.” I love all the Mexican writing & feel almost at home without actually being in contact with any of the work – we hope & we also scream for better things – Karen Vaughan
I was blessed to interview him not knowing anything about him. He gave me a copy of his poems. As I read it I cried. He asked if I was ok. I explained my daughter has these same questions. We shared so much including our names, food, laughter and friendship. It still bring tears. I love you Trini.
This wonderful man was my poetic godfather. I met him at my university in 1999. He told me I was a poet and a chicano warrior. He wrote my father and I a poem (that was published in Jalepeno Blues). I was so honored that he liked my freshman English poems. And today I am sad that I forgot these things over the years. But on today, I REMEMBER, on this Dia de los muertos 2020, I honor El Poeta Bigoton. My friend, Trinidad Sanchez Jr.,
C/S (con safos)
tu Angelito
Angel Esparza Ramirez
This is such a beautiful tribute! Thank you.