Rudy Sagastume 00

.Elizabeth Casiano

Texas

the rage hui Ids up inside the performers are on stage, why aren't I there who am I? where do I fit in? student? yes runner? yes friend? yes, to some daughter? yes sister? yes Latina? I'm not sure. I think so, hut who will agree

my dad speaks of the rm, the real Mexican so remind me why I still don't speak the native tongue remind me why there is this community and then there is just me remind me why then everyone gets to222gether, I'm the outsider Oh is that the flag of India, no, it's for Mexico I reply they wonder why Texas pride? of course Mexican pride? yes, hut why? her community welcomes me in, why doesn't my own?

the founders would he proud they say, hut would they? it's nothing I would he proud of make the group my own if I initiate, then mayhe I'll he included why the hell do I even care? if they weren't so darn cute, mayhe I could give up where are my priorities anyway

why aren't I in that class, you don't speak Spanish remember oh yeah, I almost forgot, that's right hit me right where it hurts soy Mexicana soy Latina pero no hahlo espanol that sounds like a contradiction, hut when the language starts flowing, what do I do? I translate as fast as I can, they hegin to translate into my native tongue the feeling of inadequacy overwhelms me where did I miss out?