Of what value is the Sea without the Sun?

The sound of the ocean waves All I think of is the bright yellow sun, the soft sand, the cool breeze, and the light blue sky. The sound of the ocean waves A child speaks to you in the language of your oppressor yet you reply to the innocent girl in that language that you so despise. The sound of the ocean waves I stop for a second there in the shade and promise myself I'll never forget this moment and every detail no matter the circumstance. The sound of the ocean waves My mind wanders somewhere else yet I lay there next to you. The sound of the ocean waves You sing me a song, a song meant for the oppressor, I sing along too. The sound of the ocean waves We walk along the shore and talk about the future, you share your dreams, your aspirations with a stranger. The sound of the ocean waves Who would have thought that your dreams would become my reality yet I'd be here feeling so distant, so troubled? The sound of t...

As a child, I never thought about my identity. The first time I had to reflect on how I identified was in a Poli-Sci course on the topic of minorities in Israel. Soon after this, I started to question my identity. The question always came down to whether I was more Mexican or more American? And I can tell you guys with complete surety that until today I can't give a straight answer. I'm an American by birth and I uphold certain values that some would deem as "American values" but for me these values are universal. I'm Mexican by descent. I speak Spanish- the Mexican kind, cook Mexican food, listen to Mexican music, follow traditions like using Vicks Vapor Rub when I'm sick; because it doesn't matter what I'm sick with, Vicks Vapor Rub or 7 UP can fix it. But most importantly I never go a day without eating chile. It's funny because my mom warns me not to eat so much chile but hours later I find her eating chile. It's very likely that I will n...