Hermana Resist 5 left a lump in my throat. This lady is straight up, no bullshit. She uses writing as a way to lighten the load, and shares with us thoughts that can only leave her fingertips, not exit through her mouth. She portrays things in a blunt poetic, clear like the blue sky, with knowledge of the thunder that lies within. We are invited into her world through words of family and struggle; pictures of her sweet-faced son J River and little daughter Winter. It’s important to read about mothers’ lives. People like Noemi writing their truths helps us to be aware that we’re not alone and to educate others about the struggles we parents may face: balancing parenting with our own needs while trying to keep the walls up that social injustice is pushing in. Noemi doesn’t have the time or privilege to fuck around with theory: “I will share with you my mind but you’ll never see my heart. I live in this real world of numbers and hunger and babies and facts and my stories and words don’t fit in.” There is poetry, a piece on racism and white privilege by Kendall Clark, and a whole lot more to digest here. (heze d)
Perzine, #5, 39 pgs, $3 U.S/$4 other, Noemi Martinez, PO Box 621, Edinburg, TX, 78540, U.S., www.hermanaresiStreet.com