The System
by Paul Fuentes
Our turmoil consists of constant mechanical movements.
Trained how to eat, trained when to eat.
Gates open, trained how to move, trained when to mooove.
Similar to cattle.
We are the new age contemporary slaves of the system,
Overflowing penile institutions by means of coercive mobility unawareness.
Open your windows to the soul & behold surplus labor manifestation,
Where the monthly income is equivalent to the freeworlds hourly minimum, and corrections
Headquarters have capitalism on lockdown.
Ironically we eat like communists,
Therefore single-man enterprises survive off the black market inflation.
The systematic conglomerate recognized slender threads
Of individualism, thus humane apparel was revoked.
Now we’re coerced into manufacturing generic
State property garments to accomplish their vision
Of unconditional complete control.
It’s apparent we are being sculptured, resembling
Robotic clones. Mission accomplished …
We remain the target penetrated by an everlasting,
Ceaseless clip of ignorant stigma fueled by some
Pessimistic narrative believing that we are all inferior, untrustworthy, unrehabilitable
Thieving, murdering, parasitic drug addicts.
Officer overseer should take a gander through
The kaleidoscope’s optimistic lens,
Aimed towards a population overwhelmed with
Scholastic intellectuals, immigration lobbyists,
Artistas, Public enemy-minded civil rights activists,
Attorneys, musicians, poetas, PHD’s, MD’s &
Che Guevara-inspired revolutionaries!
Just to say the least …
Minority of the Minority
by Paul Fuentes
Being introduced to racism so soon out of the womb, opens your eyes while bringing forth obstacles that a child should not be aware of.
Since my people are from another world, adapting to the environment is easier said than done.
Just as the seasons change, so does the residence, like clockwork.
Not once has anyone ever told me how to get to Sesame Street.
When the block is too light, stereotypes come out the woodworks. When the block is too dark, tantamount ignorance appears with a different twist.
When the tone is familiar, I remain distinct …
Back east, consensus indicates I’m Puerto Rican as the “spick” statement sparks adolescent warfare leaving two types of scars, physical & mental.
Out west, collective opinion pronounces I’m Mexican, thus the “beaner” phrase jeopardizes my pride and adult warfare leaves even more scars.
My Latino descent is like an endangered species here. Outsiders of the Latino culture believe we’re all the same, “same thing” they love to say.
I beg to differ.
I am a minority within the minority, utilizing discipline by keeping my unique roots & customs alive in the midst of being discriminated by the mainstream Latino society for having differences in music, cuisine and vernacular. I will continue to educate the masses, while simultaneously representing prodigious recognition for my lineage of Maradona loving, mate drinking, tangeros who worship the one & only beautiful baby blue banderas.
So don’t cry for me Argentina!
Patria o muerte …
The Rock
by Paul Fuentes
The energy of the opposites soul connection.
Revives my power and manhood once again.
Her soft innocent ways subconsciously yearning for my protection
Revives my power and manhood once again.
Her soft innocent ways subconsciously yearning for my protection
Subconsciously yearning for my protection, in which I must oblige as my lifelong duty, delivering automatic, like a blink, such as the reflex.
Although human, I am her rock.
Hard,
Tough,
Rough,
Scarred up from having endured the street-life a bit too long
Life or death scenarios throughout unforgettable terrains.
I might be a little gruesome to look at,
Depending on the perspective, but I am there and refuse to move as she can lean her form upon me and expect instant relief.
Rocks are a solid mass, but in some way she pled with mother nature and in due time her sweetness molded a custom fit.
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| Paul Fuentes 719443 Washington State Reformatory Unit P.O. Box 7001 Monroe, WA 98272-0777 |
Paul Fuentes is a 44 year old Latino of Argentine descent, born and raised in New York. He spent half his life in the Seattle area and a few years in Florida. He’s the proud owner of a nostalgic music loving, culture appreciating, humorous personality while focusing on preparing himself for the free world proactively through higher learning and physical fitness. A current committee/advisory board member of the Latino Development Organization, Paul is hoping to pursue a future with prison-reform/immigration activism in mind.
3 Comments
B
July 6, 2022 at 4:16 pmPaul is brilliant, with an amazing mind and genuinely beautiful heart, but sadly haunted by horrific ghosts. Locked away for 17 years in a cell, he suffered every dehumanizing act and humiliation the “system” would allow. All this with the daily physical challenge to his life and defense of his body and upheaval as he was juggled through the “justice system”. Despite his nightmare childhood and western life constantly challenging his Argentinian heritage, and despite the tragic loss of his mother and isolation from his only son, Paul still hopes, he still dreams, he’s honest to a fault and has a firmly loyal heart, full of the desire to love and be loved. Despite the horror this man has gone through, he never broke, and he remains a strong and faithful man, with a deep desire to help others, and lead them away from a life he could not avoid.
Omar Fuentes
September 6, 2019 at 10:53 pmI know him very well. He is my son. No time for poetry from me. Just express my admiration for Paul's graphic and indisputable reasoning. When it comes to "patriotic" feelings, I had and always be discriminated even by my own "race". It's too hard to explain that the Argentinian population have a 65% Italian descendant average. That there are more Pizzerias in Buenos Aires that in Rome and Napoli together. We don't have the rich cultural past of incredible civilization like the Mayas and Incas. Instead we received millions of immigrants after WW2 with all the traumas and suffering of such a disgrace. I needed to come to USA to eat rice and beans, burritos and tacos. Beef, pasta and pizza with mandatory bottle of wine and bread are a typical lunch and croissants and Italian pantry a breakfast necessity. He know what I'm talking about. Besides all that, his perceptions of equality and justice are in his veins too. I;m more than confident that he will be doing fine after his release. He got the ambition to be better and the intellectual values to recognize his mistakes. In the meantime I'm with him for whatever he needs me.
Wendy
September 3, 2019 at 7:00 pmVery well versed depiction of the prison system and on being a minority. Keep posting. These are very intriguing.