



Cositas Bonitas, Marlene member of Ballet Folkloric

I AM
I am from tumbleweeds and tierra mojada
I am from the earth that quakes beneath my naked brown feet
I am from the warm embrace of Tamales wrapped tight with love
I am from Pan Dulce, cafe con leche and glazed donuts from down the block and across the tracks.
I am from tequila fueled fritos and rosary bead prayers
I am from traditions and recipes whispered into my ears by my ancestors
I am from a pinch of this y un poquito de esto!
I am from the divine feminine Angelina, Guadalupe, Rosario, Tonanzin, Malinche y yo.
I am from a family tree with missing branches and colonial secrets waiting to be discovered and set free!
I am the daughter of duality, from neither here nor there trying to stake a claim in the place I stand!
Charlene Ramirez-Mares,
Folklorico Member
Las Adelitas Ballet Folklorico Dance Group

Valerie, Charleen, Jessenia, Marlene, Andrea with
Amalia Hernandez School Instructor Jenny.