Hombres

That wake up when it still is dark and cold outside. Because the restaurants, factories, warehouses and the streets have to be opened, producing and cleaned; and because earning a living doesn’t understand the concept of a good night of sleep

Hombres

With strong arms to lift furniture, ice bags, transmissions, pick oranges and harvest cotton, and once in a while give hugs; hands with thick calluses. Bodies covered with scars produced by laboring in places with low wages and unsafe conditions.  With heads and spines arched down from so much going uphill

Hombres

Black and brown, flacos and gordos, chaparros or tall, that only know how to work hard, and at times forget how to laugh; that smile when their sons and daughters speak good English without accent, and finish high school. Celebrating the better part of themselves that lives in us.

Hombres

Who love and respect our grandmas, sisters, and mothers. Who blush when singing Pedro Infante songs to them, send shy kisses, buy them cheap and beautiful flowers, and would never raise a hand on them.

Hombres

Who tell us stories of long lost treasures in abandoned ranchos, brewing pulque and hunting with a sling shot.  All with a laughter that shows their heart intact and innocence not lost

Hombres

With an iron will that crossed desserts, send money and hope. That risk body, dignity and soul, who sent for us. Who thought and acted to create a better life, a vivir mejor, with few affective words and with a lost and peaceful stare

Hombres

That find comfort on Friday nights hanging with compadres, homies, and carnales. Telling stories about joy, family, home towns, and loss. Minds that on drunken nights fight the ghosts of frustration. For not being able to provide for not being able to exploit some more their already worn out bodies

Hombres

That give us life, carry our pain, provide us with shelter, and yet feel unwelcomed. Beings that deserve a chance, a day off, to be seen, to be loved. Hombres that are worth to be seen as such. Hombres who deserve a dignified life of peace…