Posada by Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo

I’ve been wanting to read this book since I heard Bermejo read at AWP a couple years ago during the Sundress Press offsite reading. Unfortunately (for me)/fortunately (for her), her book sold out at the Sundress table before I bought a copy. But I’ve finally made my way to the book. Bermejo writes about border spaces—places in southern California where the residents are largely immigrant families (perhaps several generations down) who still keep their Hispanic culture and Spanish language, but she also speaks of the literal border spaces, and her time volunteering to hike miles into the dessert to leave provisions for immigrants crossing over. This book feels important, because seeing the humanity up-close of those who are portrayed in places of power as inhuman, IS very important. Buy here.

From “The Hills of East L.A. Are Home”

I am sitting on my bed in Solano Canyon / watching the neighborhood below my window / move slow in the crack of green hills. // “Anything else?” I ask. “No. I remembered, / and I guess I wanted you to know.” She’s proud / I write poems and like to listen to old stories.

From “Things to Know for Comañer@s: A No More Deaths Volunteer Guide”

Did you know? // When patrolling trails, you may encounter a / mountain lion. If so, gather together, stand tall and / wave your arms. When encountering lightning, / spread out and crouch close to the ground. Do not / confuse the two.