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Writings by residents of the Battered Women & Children’s Shelter of Bexar County in partnership with Gemini Ink’s Writers in Communities program Funded by City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs Texas Commission on the Arts Wayne Wright Personal Injury Lawyers Writers-in-Residence, Diana Montejano and Regina Moya Illustrations, Regina Moya Editing, Layout and Design Lindsey Clepper, Assistant, Writers in Communities Anisa Onofre, Director, Writers in Communities Rosemary Catacalos Executive | Artistic Director, Gemini Ink © 2011 Gemini Ink The authors’ work is edited as lightly as possible in order to honor the original voices.
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Sin Rostro Me gusta escribir No importa sobre qué Aveces le escribo a alguien imaginario Tú, persona a quien he esperado tanto Figura sin nombre, sin cara Tal vez escribiéndote Te tendré a mi lado eternamente Mirna
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Faceless I like to write No matter what Sometimes I write to someone imaginary You, the person I’ve waited for for so long Figure without name, without face Maybe by writing to you I will have you eternally by my side Mirna
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Table of Contents I. MERCURIAL WATERS Sheltered / Anna / 2 A Dark Shadow in Her Life / Leticia / 2 Wedding Dress / Phyllis / 3 Untitled / Anonymous / 3 Anna’s Version / Anna / 4 Marked / Anna / 4 Lemon and Salt / Lucy / 5 Love and Hate / Michelle / 5 A Child’s Memoir / Lucy / 6 Standing Still Forward / Anna / 6 A Mother’s Choice / A. C. / 7 Emptiness / Michelle / 7 Unknown Place (Memory of a Dream) / Mirna / 9 Mercurial Waters / Phyllis / 9 An Amazed and Wandering Child / Lucy / 10 Beacon Hill / Phyllis / 10 Memory / Valerie / 11 Already Dead / Phyllis / 11 My Covenant / Phyllis / 12 II. MELODÍA DELICADA Anna / Anna / 14 El niño / Elva / 15 La madre / Elva / 15 Thinking of Life / Mary / 17 The Real Ocean / Phyllis / 17 Niña / Mirna / 18 Leticia / Leticia / 18 Shaundalaya / Jamella / 19 Foundation / Jamella / 19 Pond of Wonders / Lucy / 20 Untitled / Mirna / 20 La Cura / Leticia / 21 Carnival / Anna / 21 El alma / Mirna / 22 El sonido / Mirna / 22 Una rosa / Mirna / 23 Parent / Amanda / 23
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III. HEART OF FREEDOM The Little Girl That Was Lost and Found / Beatriz / 25 Heart of Freedom / Mary / 26 Noemi / Noemi / 26 Lucía / Lucy / 27 The Secretive Woman / Bridgette / 27 I Will / Valerie / 28 Life / Anna / 29 Life / Tina / 29 Bluebirds Do Fly / Anna / 30 IV. CHILDREN’S POETRY Why Humans Use Maps / Miguel / 32 The Cry / Danielle / 32 I Wish... / Anonymous / 33 Self Esteem / Anonymous / 33 The Turkey and the Blue Dress / Miguel / 35 Winter Time / Anonymous / 36 Happy, Happy Halloween / Anonymous / 36 My Family / Anonymous / 37 The Wimpy Little Kid / Anonymous / 37 I Wish For / Alex / 38 I Am Thankful For / Miguel / 38 Good Bye / Anonymous / 38 We Celebrate Independence Day / Anonymous / 39 About Me / Marco / 39 About Meredith: Autobiography / Meredith / 40 Kimberly is My Name / Kimberly / 40 About Me / Miguel / 41 My Monster / Meredith / 41 About Me / Yesenia / 43 My Monster / Jacquelyn / 43 Christmas / Cassandra / 44 About Me / Cassandra / 44 Last Day / Danielle / 45 Butterfly / Danielle / 45
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Mercurial Waters
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Sheltered The older woman remembers her dream Too bad it was real The children sit in their highchairs waiting The girl is alone — all by herself The tiny boy bothers her, a ward’s intervention The new resident arrives by four and leaves by breakfast Anna
A Dark Shadow in Her Life She hates people who lie She feels like all this is a very bad dream She dreams of being very happy With her children The way she used to be before this happened Leticia
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Wedding Dress Glossy magazines full of white dresses fingerprints indenting the heavy pages Dress bought by her father for her mother now delivered to his only daughter Sorrow knowing she would never have her own Feeling heartache and shame for her lost wedding dress dream Phyllis
Untitled Room spinning, clutter in every corner that the eye sees The “bed� a futon that has been used many times before I am carried to the bed Looking up in total confusion I see not one face but two I do not see the faces, just the thick gray hair Anonymous
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Anna's Version I hated the ending of Titanic Is there not a way to love without having to drown? The Titanic has its own tale; The last living woman was a child a grand ship As a child, she continued the saga by selling her treasure from the ship to pay for her existence. In an old people’s home, Like the Titanic, she is sinking, soon to die without her heirlooms Comfortable, or at least with ease Anna
Marked Love scars? Or scarred with love if you live here A scar that skews a view of one so pure and clean No marks, unless there is a wedding band Disfigurement. Is that natural? What is natural, like being braless? Hair draping like foliage down her back, Long and large as love should be Anna
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Lemon and Salt I sit on my breakfast barstool Sipping a beer dressed with salt and lemon Every sip cold, tangy and… oh! So full of confidence I kick my shoes at my partner as he laughs At such unladylike behavior The evening is young Lucy
Love and Hate Can I love one so much and bring death to another? The confusion of emotions of hate and love entwined brings the heart and soul to a bursting point Our blood runs together yet now I know we are nothing alike A frail frame like death is knocking on the soul’s door To feel my spirit dry because of the ache of knowing right and wrong I now ask looking to the heavens daily: give my soul guidance! My pain is deep, I cry inside, asking for the thorns to be taken out Let me live like the birds, fly free for once Let my soul be free of another’s actions Let my spirit lift to the Heavens with peace and stop carrying others’ wrongs on my shoulders Please, I pray May I just be free? Michelle 5
A Child's Memoir The spinach capital of the world is where she comes from Raised a petite child who as a Christian played by herself Picking pink and white flowers while the background of velvet green corn was ready to be picked This child would brighten up and all her love would be admiring Delfina’s red lipstick She would soon leave from the city This child of God would daydream to be like her brother who had joined the military Life was simple, lots of sun drying the tears of thinking she would never be loved and never be accepted because of her background Lucy
Standing Still Forward A little girl stands with a popsicle tasty. She eats amidst her family spanning three generations Busy visiting or, just going about on evening activities She eats again, a chocolate morsel She begins to hate herself Life gets in the way She dreams of being happy again Anna
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A Mother's Choice Caring for her children Cells constantly regenerate Bodies are made to live forever But, a horrible pain to the body Coma at near birth caused anguish A mother’s decision can’t be easy When it comes to her children Abuse cannot be tolerated It was the result of an angry man Two children told of their mother’s fight What will help her to endure Life among women A.C.
Emptiness Where life of an innocent child would never be the same Where the turning of a cold doorknob would at last happen Where eyes would meet Where I looked up to the heavens wishing for a gun Where a heart realizes it holds more love that one even knew possible Where I run from rooms looking for the one that guards me Where life for not one but so many forever changed Michelle
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Unknown Place (Memory of a Dream) There are strange mermaids in a lake I can see a bright light far away I have to swim through the lake If I want to reach the light I dip my feet in the water The mermaids grab my feet It is impossible to reach the Comforting light full of hope and joy Mirna
Mercurial Waters He drove down the coastline towards his little brother’s house The sky reflected his somber mood He thought the ocean water looked like liquid mercury and just as dangerous “That’s it,” he thought, “I am going to a dangerous place to meet my mom.” He cried as he held her letter from the women’s prison to his heart Phyllis
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An Amazed and Wandering Child I was here, in this grey, cool, misty dampness You surprised and captured me A child in a yellow poncho with black stitching And there, standing before me And breathing upon me Looking deep at my staring eyes I was so young, so na誰ve, and so ready to love Yes it was here Here you broke through your splendid courtship And bent to kiss and claim An amazed and wandering child Lucy
Beacon Hill Where the people lay their heads Where harmless hungry packs of dogs run Where uniformed children play hide and seek Where weeds are tended as gardens Where bent-up cars roam familiar streets Where broke tired antique owners wish Phyllis
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Memory It was a cold Christmas day Momma ran out of the room telling us kids we were not to open the presents The room was filled with presents and food Finally we opened them, a drum set for one, a piano for the other three guitars and a microphone and yes… I was the lead guitar and singer Momma always said I had talent It would not be long before I did not have the chance to see her no more Foster home was not so bad, long timeouts sitting in the sofa not long after me and my sister were adopted by a young couple I remember the excitement, not worrying about tomorrow but the memory of Christmas will never pass Valerie
Already Dead His face hangs as damp as wrinkled bed linens A cloudy wet sky shows in his eyes He’s a gargoyle hiding from the rain under rotten wooden steps Waiting for today’s death parade to come his way Phyllis
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My Covenant I refuse to lose you because you are my proof of what I was. So many people gathered in one place, captured by your pages. Each one evokes a time never to come again Pieces and threads of past conversations, heard in my mind once more You hold my youth, beauty and my splendid but fated future. Photos of a new husband and myself, our three sons unseen. I could never lose you. Phyllis
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MelodĂa delicada
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Anna She is from her parents the second eldest She revels in love the city of San Antonio is where she is born but her memories begin in Chicago A place where she was raised in a red brick building her maternal grandparents owned they either lived in the second or third flat She remembers her grandparents and the entire environment soaking in what she saw the movements of those around her tiny personage she loves candy One time her dad purchased a block of chocolate and within hours, she consumed the entire block She hates her silhouette, something she noticed someday at a photography class something she planned on getting corrected but has not accomplished She dreams of a world without pain, where not just women but all people are intensely happy Anna
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El niño Ser creado por Dios Que inspira a la madre a ser mejor Fuente de gozo Para el que el alma triste Un manantial de agua dulce Para la garganta sedienta Elva
La madre Espejo del hijo Olor a flores silvestres Melodía delicada y divina Sabor a miel Noche estrellada Elva
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Thinking of Life I am happiness because I still have the most precious gift: my babies We share a bond that no one can ever replace They bring me happy tears of joy Such warmth and comfort Happiness to my heart! Mary
The Real Ocean A globe was given to us, when I found out you were with me. As soon as I found out, I wanted to take you places. Not a playground or sandbox, but a real place, somewhere real. I wanted to take you to a raging coastline—deep sea fishing. I wanted to see you riding waves and cresting swells in the ocean. To see your face searching foamy ocean waters for that faraway land. I wanted to give you the real ocean, like the shiny blue one painted on the globe. I wanted to see you cast your line into the real ocean you put your finger on. Phyllis
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Ni単a Mirada de silencio Sumergida en agua de juego Calma de un momento Frescura en su rostro Tranquilidad, sentir que flota al subconsciente Mirna
Leticia She is from Texas, from a dairy farm There were lots of dairy cows, horses, dogs, and cats Lots and lots of green trees The fields were very big and her father planted corn She used to horseback ride on the fields with her brother Jesse She loved him with all her heart just as a father He would always take care of her She loves horses and anything that has to do With cattle and ranches and horseback riding She loves to be happy all the time She feels like all of this is a very bad dream She dreams of being happy with her children The happiness she has used to have in the farm Leticia
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Shaundalaya Eyes a clear blue sky Lips pink and soft like gum Skin, the glimmer of sunlight Voice, the calmness after a storm Rays of light like the glory of God Peeking through the clouds Jamella
Foundation I smother you on like Peanut butter on bread You make my face look As soft as a baby’s bottom Your coffee color rich and creamy You hide my dark spots And make them disappear A wizard’s wand that turns back time I feel confident And all put together No more puzzles I cannot solve Jamella
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Pond of Wonders Where leaves dance slowly towards the ground Where people walk wondering how they will reach their goals Where an aging frail woman walks her dog Where I sit enjoying the turtles lifting their heads Making bubbles onto the surface of the water Where gentle fog flows into the breeze And makes its way into my front door Lucy
Untitled Donde el aire de los cerros es espeso Difícil de inhalar Fragancias que despiden en el amanecer Donde en medio de un bosque Imaginas que no puede existir otro sentimiento Entre cada planta e insecto Donde al recorrer el río El frío frota tu piel Y dejas fluir toda la energía Mirna
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La Cura This lady will be traveling around the world With her son Billy, who will become a good man The models in the magazines will be wearing her designs Each design drawn with a different feeling She will meet lots of people in the fashion industry She is no longer afraid of her past Leticia
Carnival On the floor a farmer plays with… or, delights in his jigsaw puzzle Slightly challenging yet, not quite as difficult as the earth he farms. On the tractor a farmer works… seeding, plowing, harvesting The moment he stops... He chooses a bright painting unlike his barns and stables but of a harvest fair, a carnival full of people and rides Fitting pieces into place a canvas of abounding colors everywhere a new hobby, or just this once? Anna
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El alma El alma sabe distinto que la muerte Liviana como una espora Frágil como un terrón de azúcar Retrato que puedes imaginar en la mente Es de color transparente Como el agua fresca de un manantial La fragancia de flores es un gran jardín Mirna
El sonido No se puede ver pero si palpar En cada uno de los sentidos Se puede probar, es el sabor de un limón O el dulzor del enjambre Se puede ver de diferentes colores Rosado, colándose en el paladar Con fragancia a comino Mirna
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Una rosa Despide colores de inspiraci贸n Con olores de un naranja atardecer Te hace probarla como un dulce de cereza La puedes contemplar sentada en un florero Como el nacimiento de un angel Es roja como la sangre Y suave como la piel de un reci茅n nacido Despierta emociones encontradas Como laberintos sin principio ni final Mirna
Parent I am a parent because I love having fun with them I will teach them to be parents with love Romantic friendship, loving people Teach them to love one another Religion so they can have a life in this nature world I will teach them to enjoy nature God gave us a beautiful life and I am a parent now and forever Amanda
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Heart of Freedom
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The Little Girl That Was Lost and Found She comes from Edinburg, TX raised in the US and Mexico Her mom was a very loving and hardworking mom always washing their clothes She smelled like pretty flowers and tortillas She tucked them in bed at night and made sure they said a prayer She loves when it is summer in Texas because she goes to Mexico to see her family She can’t wait to run in the corn field A vacation that she is always waiting for But does not arrive fast enough She hates being in Texas because she is mistreated just for being another little girl in the family She feels like she does not belong, she feels lost and confused She dreams of being with her whole family one day She dreams of being a child again her family all together Beatriz
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Heart of Freedom  The air is clear where I can breathe The snow is falling where I can touch It is a new place where the mountains are high We can now run free where the roses grow I can touch the water where I can reflect Rain is falling where I can be washed away No more chains where I will go Mary
Noemi She will be in a place where the sun is always shining The birds are singing The air is fresh to breathe She will be in a park with her kids on swings, laughing, smiling, having a good time They will be living on their own again making right choices and never losing hope staying on the right path She is no longer sad, lonely, depressed she will not make mistakes with guys because she will have her life put together and trying everything to make it right Noemi
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LucĂa  She will be enjoying a peaceful small cottage Where no one will know her Long walks in the cool, early morning Will start her days She is no longer worried if she is accepted Because of her beliefs or her thoughts She is who she is with her wonderful and unique faults Lucy
The Secretive Woman A colorful dance in some tribal culture Hides her from showing her face While they beat the drums They keep going in circles And nobody notices the woman who dances She wants so much for her secret to come out But chooses not to be noticed at all Bridgette
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I Will For those who know me you see me a certain way for those who don’t I have this to say: never mind my darkened past we’ll get to that at the very last I will not be denied my happiness, love, joy and pride I will not run anymore, I do not wish to hide I will find the will to do and not just say after all I’ll be ok I will get past the highest mountain I climb I will walk through the valley rain or shine I will make it through with or without you in the darkness or light best believe it´s true I will forgive those who oppose me or have harmed me in any way I will forgive the sins that have cost me my life to this day I will get past this suffering and pain Tomorrow is a new day, yesterday has passed, leaving a memory of broken glass I will survive living this life for me and no other although your strength should come from one another. Valerie
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Life Sad and lonely‌ left for naught God loves his children His creation, Her parents She is blue inside and out Sad and lonely. Trusting today WILL be a better day Knowing all are precious in His eyes All the pain around her Will one day end No sickness or death Sadness and sorrow will be no more Anna
Life She will take a stand even if she is naked She will be able to take the world on Bring it on, see what you can give her to handle food, clothing if she needs it, with the Lord with her all things are possible Tina
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Bluebirds Do Fly I love this singer; what a wonderful world He is so happy; a place I would like to be Bluebirds do fly; dreams are possible Seventies, eighties; asymmetrical The orchestra is deep and intense the flight of the bumblebee; Instruments of movement and voice I was and will be someone’s miracle A balloon ride on top of the music I fly by as the Spaniard in me sings still feeling the sand of the beach, in my swimsuit, we danced He loved me. Cantar, bailar… muévete Anna
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Children's Writings
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Why Humans Use Maps An alien came from space and asked me, “Why do humans use maps?� I said that we need them to not get lost and to tell where we are going. The alien was asking me where I was going. I said I was going to the Great Lakes to go fishing. The alien took me to visit the planets when I got back it was already time to go to school. Miguel, Age 9
The Cry Crying, crying on the ground Crying, crying oh so sad, laying here just crying out, oh where does the lying brother lay? Danielle, Age 12
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I Wish I wish for my mom to get a house I hope there is not a mouse living in the house I wish my mom would get a car I really want a chocolate bar I wish I had an Xbox 360 Kinect I wish I had a chariot. This is what I wish for. Anonymous
Self Esteem Self esteem is feeling great about yourself Respect yourself in every way (don’t let anyone force you into something you don’t agree to) Believe in yourself and what you can do Trust yourself in every way Be yourself, no matter what others say you should be Love yourself Don’t care about the ugly words people say about you Realize you are a unique person Accept yourself as the way you see yourself Think positive about yourself Anonymous
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The Turkey and the Blue Dress Once upon a time there was my grandmother Aurelia. She had a farm with lots of animals including goats, pigs, and turkeys. She had lots of turkeys. She had a blue dress. My mom’s brother put the dress on her nephew and they put him outside with the wild turkeys. And when he was outside, the wild turkeys were chasing him all around the house, pecking him. There was this one turkey who hated my grandma’s blue dress and it would start to peck the clothes line every time she washed the clothes. Everyone in my family was sad and upset because the nephew stepped on my Grandma’s plants. She had spent a lot of money and time on her plants. So that’s why my mom’s brother put the blue dress on him. Many years later, the nephew came back and killed that turkey and ate him for Thanksgiving. He remembered the time with the blue dress. The end. Miguel, Age 9
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Winter Time I look out the frosty window, the ground filled with snow. I smell chocolate and hear boiling water on the stove. I get dressed in winter clothes and run downstairs to gulp down my chocolate because my mother knows, I always hurry to play in the snow. It was freezing cold, but I didn’t care, because it was funner than the city fair. Anonymous
Happy, Happy Halloween Once upon a time it was Halloween. At school we had a Halloween party, but the part that I hated was we had to wear Halloween costumes. My Halloween costume was a bumblebee. And my Halloween costume was cute my mom said, my birthday is in July but I do not know why I changed the subject, but back to Halloween. Sometimes I have to wear tights because it can be chilly outside and also have to put on a sweater. When I go trick-or-treating, I am the queen of Halloween. When I go home, I count my candy and go to sleep. And sometimes there are haunted houses but I do not like to go in there. Once I went in one and I got freaked out!!! Then I said I am never ever ever ever going in there. Anonymous
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My Family My family is smart. My family is sometimes dumb. My family is nice. My family is sometimes mean. My family lives in a clean house. My family lives in a dirty house sometimes. My family is nice looking. My family is not nice looking sometimes. But my family is always my family. Anonymous
The Wimpy Little Kid My monster is a bad bad guy. His nose is crooked. His body is bloody his shirt is torn-- also his pants are torn. He has a cool car and he thinks he’s a cool star. But he is a really scary spook. He comes at night and goes through the window, then says “booo” to the one in bed and they say “aaaahh.” They thought they saw someone, but they were dreaming. Then he went to get a glass of water. When he opened the fridge, a scary face said, “Leave or you will get punished for your life.” He ran for his life and the scary things were in costumes. The people said, “We got this on camera. We are going to tell everybody at school that you are a wimpy little boy.” Anonymous
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I Wish For I wish for a house and a car also a treehouse and makeup Alex, Age 9
I Am Thankful For I am thankful for the food. The food that I eat is real good. I am thankful for my family. This is what I’m thankful for. Miguel, Age 9
Good Bye Tonight was a shocking time. The teacher was here for the last time. We were shocked because to me, we didn’t have enough time to show appreciation to our wonderful teacher. It’s sad because the workshop has something for me to do every Wednesday night! The time keeps on slippin’ and getting close to the goodbye moment. I am going to miss her a lot. Good Bye! Anonymous 38
We Celebrate Independence Day I smell barbeque, I see two grills filled of food. I see a dark sky with colorful fireworks sounding up the night. I hear laughing, I hear playing, I smell pumpkin pie baking. I hear the city shout “Happy July 4th!” Anonymous
About Me Marco is my name. I am smart and tall. I like playing games. I like to draw, and I would like to visit Utah. I like to eat Life Savers, I really like the flavors. I like other candies, but my mom doesn’t agree. If I ever get famous one day remember I live in San Antonio, Texas. Marco, Age 11
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About Meredith: Autobiography My name is Meredith. I’m eleven years young. I live in Texas, the Lone Star State. I love to play volleyball, texting, painting, shopping, Starbucks, malls, going through the city, listening to music, hanging with friends, sleeping, eating, laptops, Aéropostale, Hollister, Abercombie, skating, doing my nails, and a million other things! My favorite color is lime green. I live with my mom and fixin’-to-be-born sister. I’m smart. I am a happy bright child. I am a Christian and I love God. Well there’s some things to know about me! Meredith, Age 11
Kimberly is My Name I am smart and caring My brother doesn’t like sharing But I like to play with my cats, and I like to draw I hate it when my cat scratches me with his paw I feel happy when I play during the day I feel happy when I kiss my mom and she tells me she loves me all the time I am afraid of spiders and snakes they give me jimmies and the shakes The tower is my favorite place I like to go up there to stare at space. Kimberly, Age 11
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About Me Miguel is the name funny is the game I like to play with Clay Clay is fun, fun for everyone I met this guy I met him one eye I’m sorry but I have to go I have to go where my dreams come true. Miguel, Age 9
My Monster My monster is named Saga. She is 3-years-old and 2-feet-tall. She loves shrimp, lime green, pink, polka dots and girly-girl things. She is friendly and adorable. She loves to eat candy. She loves sunglasses and bikinis. She is responsible. She lives in my room and has shrinking powers. She goes places with me. She is my best friend! Meredith, Age 11
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About Me Yesenia is my name I am intelligent and happy I like to draw and I love bunnies I like to laugh and I like funnies I like to see dolphins jump into the ocean with the whales and other fish This would be my greatest wish: to have the world in a Petri dish. Yesenia, Age 9
My Monster My monster is 12 feet tall. My monster is hiding behind me. My monster doesn’t scare me because I can beat him up. My monster is afraid of me. Jacquelyn, Age 12
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Christmas Christmas is my favorite holiday and I get a lot of toys. I play a lot, it is fun to play with toys. My uncle dresses like Santa Claus. I helped my mom to cook and it was good. I cook chicken and tamales and cranberry. We drank hot chocolate and tea and opened our presents. I got a baby toy. Cassandra, Age 10
About Me Kassy is my name I’m happy, sassy, and funny I can read and do my homework My sister doesn’t like to share I hate when my sister hits me but I am not afraid of her I like to see dolphins jump in the ocean I live in San Antonio, Texas I like the city and the stories. Cassandra, Age 10
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Last Day If today was your last day, do not be sad, maybe you will come back again. I know I will see you again. Danielle, Age 12
Butterfly Butter, butter, butterfly fly, fly, fly, fly, away butterfly, caterpillar, butterfly be free, fly, fly Danielle, Age 12
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Writer Bios Diana L. Montejano was born in Del Río, Texas in 1950, a fifth-generation Tejana in a family of six. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from the University of Incarnate Word, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in the Bilingual Creative Writing Program at the University of Texas at El Paso. Throughout her life, Montejano has been involved in community affairs including having worked as a legislative aide to State Senator Joe J. Bernal (one of the authors of the state’s first Bilingual Education Bill), as a research assistant for the Commission for Mexican-American Affairs, and with the National Council of La Raza. Since 1998, Montejano has served as adjunct English Instructor for Palo Alto College. She currently teaches Language Arts to upper division classes at St. Gerard Catholic High School, and continues to give poetry readings and conduct creative writing workshops throughout the Southwest.
Regina Moya was born in Mexico City and graduated with a degree in Communications from Anahuac del Sur University. She has also studied graphic design and journalism and has two published books: Memorias de Dos Mujeres (México City, D.F., Editorial Atomo), and Donde Anidan las Palomas (México City, D.F., Casa Juan Pablos). Moya has worked with WIC as both a writer-in-residence, and as an artist-in-residence, on various projects including with incarcerated teens, in public schools, and at the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. She also writes and illustrates personalized children’s storybooks. Visit Moya at www.reginamoya.com
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A FOCUS ON READING AND WRITING FOR ALL Gemini Ink nurtures writers and readers and builds community through literature and the related arts. At Gemini Ink we believe human story in all its diverse and complicated forms and genres—from poetry and fiction to memoir and oral tradition—is essential to developing compassion and richness in both individual and community life. We encourage focused reading, writing, and exchange at every level, from elementary school students to incarcerated youth and from polished professional to the elder who has always wanted to record her family stories. Writers in Communities (WIC) sends published writers into diverse community settings to work alongside students of all ages, needs, interests, and abilities in free workshops based in oral traditions, reading, and creative writing. Autograph Series and Breakthrough Thinkers present writers of national and international stature—many of them recipients of major prizes such as the Pulitzer or National Book Award—in free public performances. University Without Walls (UWW) offers three semesters of fee-based reading groups and workshops and also many free literary events, all led by professional writers, scholars, and interdisciplinary artists. Dramatic Readers Theater (DRT) features professional actors interpreting literary works in free performances, often accompanied by original music. Contributions and donations of time and resources are gratefully accepted. For more information about Gemini Ink, 47 visit www.geminiink.org or call 210-734-9673
513 S. Presa San Antonio, Texas 78205 877.734.9673 www.geminiink.org 48