Blasphemous Elegy for May 14, 2003

Javier O. Huerta, poet and scholar, posted one of his beautiful poems "Blasphemous Elegy for May 14, 2003" first published in 580 Split and forthcoming this fall (I believe) in his new book Some Clarifications (Arte Publico Press).

Some background info... several people died from asphyxiation and heatstroke in a trailer truck four years ago today in Texas. A NY Times article says, "The trailer, which was parked at a truck stop, showed signs that the trapped people had tried to punch holes through it so air could come in. It was not clear how and when the truck's door was opened."...

"Rogelio Nuñez, director of Proyecto Libertad, a legal services organization for illegal immigrants in Harlingen, Tex. said, 'This incident and others like it have come about because harsher U.S. policies toward the border has made it more difficult for people to come across, increasing the risks they're willing to take.'"

Read Javier's poem "Blasphemous Elegy..." .

I just learned about Tammy Gomez's blog,: XX Communicator. She posts poems on her blog... and here is Tammy's website too.

And a brand new weblog Latino Poetry Review - The weblog of Letras Latinas @ the Institute for Latino Studies, University of Notre Dame by Francisco Aragón.

it's one of those nights...

Hecho en Tejas in the RG Valley

Rio Grande Valley Hosts Texas-Mexican Writers April 27-29

MCALLEN—Several venues in the Rio Grande Valley will host writers whose work appears in the new anthology from the University of New Mexico Press, Hecho en Tejas: An Anthology of Texas-Mexican Literature. The anthology, edited by novelist Dagoberto Gilb of Austin features both well-known and new voices in journalism, fiction, poetry, memoir, and even music. Hecho en Tejas contributors have already traveled statewide, promoting the book to the general public and to teachers and students in San Marcos, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso. Future events will occur in Laredo, Arlington, Fort Worth, and Austin. From April 27 to April 29, writers in the anthology, many of whom grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, will read from the book and celebrate its historical success with the public. Events include …

• Friday, April 27, 9AM-1:30PM: Literary Fiesta, Benito Juarez-Lincoln High School, 801 N. Coyote Drive, La Joya, Texas. The fiesta will include readings and platicas (chats) with 9th and 10th grade students as part of the school’s “Living Authors” series. The four-hour high school visit will end with a catered lunch where authors can mingle with students and staff. Writers taking part include Dagoberto Gilb, Erasmo Guerra, Christine Granados, Tony Díaz, Macarena Hernández, and Roberto Ontiveros, and Diana López. Sponsored by La Joya Independent School District and Benito Juarez-Abraham Lincoln High School.

• Friday, April 27, 2007, 7-10PM: Cine El Rey, 311 South 17th, McAllen, TX. FREE reading with Dagoberto Gilb, Diana López, Erasmo Guerra, Macarena Hernandez, José Angel Gutíerrez, Robert Ontiveros, Christine Granados, Tony Díaz and Arturo Longoria. FREE and open to the public with book signing and raffle to follow the reading. Musicians David Garza and Joe and Rosa Perez will perform. (This event would have never been possible without the generosity of sponsors hosting other RGV weekend activities: La Joya Independent School District, South Texas College Department of History and Philosophy and Region One).

• Saturday, April 28, 2007, 10AM-2PM: “Teaching Hecho: Teachers and Writers Workshop.” Region One ESC, Starr Room, 1900 W. Schunior, Edinburg, TX. Writers Dagoberto Gilb, Erasmo Guerra, Christine Granados, Tammy Gomez, Tony Díaz, Diana López, Macarena Hernández, and Robert Ontiveros, and musician David Garza will attend. Sponsored by South Texas College Department of History and Philosophy, Region One, and the La Joya Independent School District.

• Saturday, April 28, 2007, 11AM-12:30PM: Edinburg Public Library, 1906 S. Closner, Edinburg, TX. Reading with Erasmo Guerra and Dagoberto Gilb with book signing to follow as part of the many "Books and Brunch" series. FREE and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Edinburg Public Library.

• Saturday, April 28, 4PM: Barnes & Noble, 4005 North 10th St., McAllen, TX. Reading with Dagoberto Gilb, Arturo Longoria, Diana López, Tammy Gomez, Macarena Hernández, Erasmo Guerra, José Angel Gutíerrez, Roberto Ontiveros, and Christine Granados. Featuring celebrated Valley author Rene Saldaña. Q&A and book signing follows. FREE and open to the public.

• Sunday, April 29, 2-5PM, Brownsville Historical Society, 1325 E. Washington St, Brownsville, TX. Signing and reception to follow. FREE and open to the public. Sponsored by the Brownsville Historical Society.