Jessica Torres

Nature and Humans

Free spirits,
yet vastly reliant on one another.
W        e 
take and 
take and 
take
and often forget earth needs from us too.
If only humankind understood, 
that nature also lives through us.
Free spirits, 
bonded by life.
We are here because nature survives.
W        e 
take and 
take and 
take
and often forget nature is quickly dying.
If only humankind understood,
that nature does not have much time.
Free spirits,
but with a broken relationship.
There still is hope to mend the cracks.
We must give
and 
give and 
give
and not forget nature depends on us.
When humankind understands this 
connection nature will thrive,
not just merely survive.

A Celebration

When celebrating my body,
I honor the land of my upbringing
I take pride in the birth land of my parents,
I acknowledge the hard work of my predecessors.

When celebrating my body,
I admire the tongue in which I speak,
I value the traditions I practice
I respect the community in which I live.

But to live in my body also means,
feeling trapped between borders.
To live in my body means,
feeling the world is often against me. 
To live in my body means,
the color of my skin is a dictator
and the tongue in which I speak a commander, 
of my experiences.

When celebrating my body, 
We honor
We take pride 
We acknowledge 
We admire
We value 
We respect
We celebrate,
the heritage and culture of a community.

There is hope or more so a longing
to live in a world where a celebration is not only within, 
but a celebration is with all.

Jessica Torres is a third-year student at CSUSM. She is a Literature and Writing major who hopes to in the future become a teacher. She also has a passion for art and hopes to continue with her art journey incorporating it into her job or career. She loves to read poetry, fantasy, and fiction.