A Poem by By DENISE TORREZ
7/24/25
Why Does Life Keep Lifin?
My head and heart are filled with so much
Grief, love, anger, hope, anxiety, and dread
But I remember what my Mom always said
“En el tiempo de Dios”
But that’s so hard to swallow
I have more yet to do, the world is such a mess
Yet cancer keeps robbing me of forward progress
But I look back at my life
As a teacher, activist, mother and wife
I’ve earned my flowers and made Rita proud
Yet I have more to say, and I want to say it loud!
Mexica Tiahui on our ancestral land
How can traversing our homeland be banned?
Our beautiful tan skin, a target for hate
This is what they mean when they refer to being great?
Bombing and starving babies is barely acknowledged
Of all places to ban free speech, a progressive college?
Cochinos protected, teachers being fired
For teaching the truth, obedience is what’s now required
The struggle isn’t new, siempre luchamos
Pero, when do we get to just chill?
Laughter, esperanza, joy, orgullo – that’s what we want to feel
Our ancianos taught us that juntos venceremos
So we never give up, but dammmmmmm, Life sure is tough!
La Familia Torrez at the Lowrider Super Show in Las Vegas 2022
EDITORS NOTE: Denise Torrez is the immediate past president of El Movimiento Sigue, retired teacher and long-time community activist. She appreciates your love, prayers and positive thoughts.
Hermana,
You are a true inspiration to all our gente. You have shown our Azteca Warrior spirit fighting like Chicanas of our past. You have laid a pathway for many to follow in your footsteps. Rest assure, we remain by your side fighting! SI SE PUEDE ✊✊✊
WOW! ”QU!E CHICANA TAN FUERTE
That is just so powerful. Hita you make me humble as I start this journey of Breast cancer. I am blessed to be able to know that there is a warrior that I know and love by my side. Love you .