PABLO DE LA GUERRA
California, 1870
Even though I’ve held many public offices,
now I’m eliminated from elections on the basis
of race.
So I hire a lawyer who proves my US citizenship,
but he can’t convince the courts that I look
“white enough” to vote, run for office, or even
own land.
My proud brown skin color from indios
in my Mexican ancestry
will determine my future—a voiceless life
in this atmosphere of governmental
arrogance, unless the laws
are changed, and then
enforced.