“Elena” by Beverly Hermosillo
I planted a weeping willow and named her Elena.
In her soil,
I buried my anger and shame.
In her leaves,
I whispered all my hopes,
Dreams, and secrets.
In her shade,
I prayed for our forgiveness.
The sounds of the wind through her leaves,
Carries with it the echoes
Of all that happened
A song of great joy,
And sorrow.
Ultimately,
In the presence of her beauty
I found a bitter-sweet gratitude
For all that was,
Could have and will never be.
May she grow
In all the ways that I wish for you,
With peace and joy
And most of all love.
So that one day,
She too can touch the sky,
Despite hardship,
As we have.
And maybe then she will understand
Our choice to leave her there,
A beautiful dream,
Meant to live on without us.
As I walked away,
On the breeze,
She sent to me the most precious gift.
A gift for me to keep,
And share with you now:
Forgiveness.
And a reminder that we are,
Family.
Always.
I define my creative identity in the following way: Through my poetry, I channel the turmoil and heartbreak I’ve faced, transforming it into narratives of resilience and empowerment. My writing is a reflection of my identity, a testament to survival, and a celebration of the power to heal and thrive.
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Beverly Hermosillo Artist Statement:
I am a granddaughter of immigrants, a survivor, and a woman whose creative journey is shaped by my Latinx roots and experiences as a mother.
My writing and art are deeply personal to me. They reflect my journey as a granddaughter of immigrants, a survivor, and someone who grapples with themes like mental health, resistance, and strength. Through my creative work, I explore my struggles and triumphs, and express emotions such as love, heartbreak, and overcoming adversity. My creative identity is a way for me to process my experiences, heal, and share my unique perspective with others.
