poems about Panama
I did this as a course project. We explored decolonial thinking, diaspora, and identity. These ideas are something that I have been dealing with a lot in my adulthood. As a daughter of a Panamanian man and a white American woman, my identity does not fall neatly into categories. Insta poetry is often seen on Instagram. It has been commonly seen as short and “accessible” writings. The writings have often been described as vulnerable and tap into a form of self-care. They work through emotions and trauma in a healing way. This work is a series of poems and short writings and accompanying art. I envisioned it like a small book titled Panama. I wanted to do this in a decolonial way of expression and understanding. Decolonial work taps into the emotional and vulnerable. To me, it goes against the classical form of labor. The grammar and language I use is a form of structure that is me. I will add short descriptions for each page.
In the future, I plan on continuing this project.
Questions
This poem expresses the colonial culture upon my body. The harm it has brought. Over time the colonial norms have made me uncomfortable in my own body. I have felt these questions, and I hope, over time, I can resolve them through decolonial thinking. By western standards, I have always felt less than. I drew a yellow rose as a development. They are questions to help me grow.
avocado
This poem is part of my positionality. It is a little personal story from one of the times I went to Panama. My connection to Panama has made me a part of who I am and my positionality. I thought of “The Problem of Speaking for Others” by Linda Alcoff. My position is different, but it is mine, and I can speak for myself. These are negative thoughts, but they are my thoughts and ones that have happened often. I drew a picture of an avocado with sugar to accompany the writing.
hot rain
Hot rain is a memory I have from Panama. I thought of my anger and frustration in colonialism. I think of the hurt and pain. The beautiful culture grew from the hot rain. Colonialism drowns people and suffocates. For this, I drew lungs with liquid.
Español
This is about how I have conflicting feelings and not knowing how to speak Spanish. It makes me feel less qualified as a Latina. My father didn’t teach me due to thinking people would be racist to me. I love the way Spanish sounds and feels, but I’m still learning it. I spend time listening to Latinx music and practicing on Duolingo. I am at an intermediate level that flirts with knowing.
rainbow city
This one is for the work I did in the course with When the Devil Knocks. I was able to learn more about Panama’s diaspora through Craft’s writing. Learning about the segregation brought in Panama is what had hit me the most. I didn’t think of it running as deep as it did. The quote “Panama is a study in contradictions; it often rains while the sun is shining”(Craft). For this I drew what is thought of when I heard the name, but in the end, it is hollow.
carlos
This final poem is for my father. He took a lot of time to tell me about Panama. He has given me time and labor to teach me. He is everything to me. He has taught me to appreciate my history, the good and the bad. He has never shied away from telling me of the poverty and class issues in Panama. So I drew a tree and a reach for this writing.