My English work
Writing in English was the logical choice as soon as my American
grandchildren began to grow up and adopted English as their first
language.
However, four years ago, when I began taking creative writing courses
at NCC, under the direction of patient and wonderful teachers, my
universe expanded and I realized that my dreams, hopes and
frustrations, were as valid as the ones of my American peers. Moreover,
I understood that my condition as an immigrant woman was not a
handicap, but an asset which gives depth and substance to my work.
That's when I began writing in English about the world and my
daily life, focusing more on the message than on the form.
I know very well that my work in English is still a work in progress.
I am also aware of the fact that writing in a foreign language
takes away some of the beauty and spontaneity of my poetry. This is
due not only to the linguistic differences between Spanish and
English, but as a result of the themes I've chosen during this period
of my life. After all, any artist is a product of his or her
environment and the world in which I live today is a very complicated
one, full of conflicts and contradictions.
Finally, these last years have been also a time of personal loss and
struggle. Thus, my poems in English inevitably reflect that. I'll keep
learning. I look forward to the day when I can write my children's
poems in English.
Norwalk, November of the year 2002
Any commentaries are welcome at aamparo_28@yahoo.com
