So Much More Than a Name

Leslie Rojas

“Leslie” a name, an identity, a girl.

“Leslie” I hear every day from every woman in my family.

“Leslie” my mother yells from her short-figured body. “Leslie yo no soy eterna” she says when I refuse to do a chore.

“Yo no soy eterna,” “I’m not eternal,” you have to get an education and not depend on anyone.

“Leslie,” you know I’m your mother, father and friend (soy tu madre, tu padre, y tu amiga) “Leslie” you were raised by women “Mujeres poderosas” powerful women “Madres solteras” single mothers “Mujeres fuertes” strong women

“Leslie” she would scream over the loud Anthony Santos playing at 3am

“Leslie” go play with your cousins, dancing in the rain in the Dominican Republic or playing in the “pompa” (the fire hydrant) in the loud crowded NYC neighborhoods “Leslie” my name, my identity, a teenager