With one glance, you knew
we were
people deficient in everything—gunpowder and gold,
naked as newborns. And it was true,
we were lacking

……………in dysentery and paranoia,
and we were terribly unadvanced
……………when it came to killing other humans. But we aren’t anymore.

So quickly you claimed us
like terra firma,
like the Earth that carries you, repaid only in boot-marks.

We saved you,
……………gave you
our corn and told you our names.
Mine is Samoet. You called me Isabella.

– Angelica Esquivel