Notes About The Poem
Ambushed by gunmen on a highway in Ocotlán.
Threatened outside a mine site in San José del Golfo.
Shot dead by motorcycle gunmen while driving in Camotán.
Forced from their camp by mine trade unionists in La Sierrita.
Fired at while traveling to meet with fishermen of the Arauca River.
Thousands forcibly displaced by armed conflict in Cauca Department.
Arrested and held incommunicado on leaving his office at the University of Al Zaiem.
In serious but stable condition following a shooting after protesting the El Tambor mine.
Samples from letters
written to places
I’ve never been
in support of people
much like you and me
with hopes, tribulations
and kids with laughing faces;
perhaps with land.
Who for reasons various
are on the sharp edge
of the process
which provides us
with bright shirts, cheap coffee
and funny vignettes on my N+1g tab .
Occasionally my letters
are followed by good news,
or at least an acknowledgement.
The least I can do
but is it ever enough?
Written after 20+ years writing letters for Amnesty International's Urgent Action network
Circumstances of Victims
Ambushed by gunmen on a highway in Ocotlán.
Threatened outside a mine site in San José del Golfo.
Shot dead by motorcycle gunmen while driving in Camotán.
Forced from their camp by mine trade unionists in La Sierrita.
Fired at while traveling to meet with fishermen of the Arauca River.
Thousands forcibly displaced by armed conflict in Cauca Department.
Arrested and held incommunicado on leaving his office at the University of Al Zaiem.
In serious but stable condition following a shooting after protesting the El Tambor mine.
Samples from letters
written to 'responsible authorities'
in places I’ve never been
in support of people
much like you and me
with hopes, tribulations
and kids with laughing faces;
perhaps with land.
Who for reasons various
are on the sharp edge
of the process
which provides us
with bright shirts, cheap coffee
and funny vignettes on my N+1g tab .
Occasionally my letters
are followed by good news,
or at least an acknowledgement.
The least I can do;
it's never enough,
yet I hope it keeps
a candle burning.
Written after 20+ years writing letters for Amnesty International's Urgent Action Network
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