Dare I Say By Cassandra Martens Diaz, Mexican-Canadian, 17, Manitoba, Canada I do not pronounce it with familiarity I do not read it I do not spell it Dare I say I speak it at all Pepper burns my tongue I turn away from the heat I do not take the spice Dare I say I have a taste at all The Jalisco too small Tucked away, unused, unworn Body stiff, and still Dare I say I can dance at all Though in my blood Though in my citizenship It is not to be found in me Dare I say I am Spanish at all Y Me Atrevo a Decir por Cassandra Martens Diaz, 17, Manitoba, Canada No lo pronuncio fácilmente No lo puedo leer No lo puedo deletrear Y me atrevo a decir que lo hablo El ají quema mi lengua Prefiero alejarme del chile No tolero el picante Y me atrevo a decir que lo saboreo Mi traje de charra me queda chico Alzado, sin usarlo ni vestirlo Cuerpo rigido, e inmóvil Y me atrevo a decir que bailo A pesar que está en mí sangre A pesar que está en mí ciudadania No lo he podido encontrar en mí Y me atrevo a decir que soy LatinaCassandra adds: "My family immigrated to Canada from Chihuahua, Mexico when I was very young. Since I was raised in a country that was culturally very different from Mexico, I have always felt detached from my extended family because I lack a lot of the experiences that they’ve had. It is important to me that I continue to work on my Spanish and learn more about my mom's culture.. I am just beginning to submit my work for publication. I was inspired by Jessica Wang’s heartfelt story submission, Xiang Xiang, published by Skipping Stones."
A Multicultural Literary Magazine for Teens and Pre-Teens
