Member-only story

Always Rebellious Cimarroneando: A Journey Through the Heart of Georgina Herrera's Poetry

Warren Bell

·17.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems By Georgina Herrera

4 min read

763 View Claps

45 Respond

Save

Listen

Like the legendary cimarrons, those escaped slaves who sought refuge in the untamed wilderness of the Americas, Georgina Herrera's poetry rebels against societal norms and linguistic boundaries, forging a path of its own.

The Cimarrón as Muse

Throughout her work, Herrera invokes the cimarrón as a symbol of resistance and freedom. In the poem "Cimarronaje," she writes:

Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems by Georgina Herrera

by Georgina Herrera

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1902 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	170 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

A Lone Cimarrón Running Through A Field, Symbolizing Resistance And Determination. Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems By Georgina Herrera

A Voice for the Marginalized

Herrera's poetry amplifies the voices of the marginalized, giving voice to those whose stories have often been silenced or overlooked. Through her words, she explores the lived experiences of immigrants, queer individuals, and people of color.

In "Elegy for Juana B., a Domestic Worker," she pays tribute to the countless women who labor tirelessly in the shadows:

A Domestic Worker Hard At Work, Her Face Etched With Exhaustion. Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems By Georgina Herrera — *"The sound of your broom, / a mournful dirge / that echoes through the empty halls / of lives you've cleaned."*

A Fusion of Languages and Cultures

Herrera's poetry is a vibrant tapestry woven with Spanish, English, and Spanglish, reflecting the fluidity of her cultural identity. This linguistic hybridity allows her to explore the complexities of language and identity in a way that is both unique and profound.

In the poem "Frontera," she writes:

A Map Of The US Mexico Border, Symbolizing The Blurring Of Linguistic And Cultural Boundaries. Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems By Georgina Herrera

Themes of Love and Loss

Beyond her political and social commentary, Herrera's poetry also explores the universal themes of love, loss, and longing. In her poem "To the One I Loved," she writes with raw emotion:

Two Hands Entwined, Symbolizing The Bittersweet Nature Of Love And Loss. Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems By Georgina Herrera — *"I remember the softness of your touch, / the gentle caress that made my heart soar. / Now, only echoes remain / in the empty spaces where you were once."*

Form and Style

Herrera's poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty and evocative imagery. She employs a wide range of poetic forms, including sonnets, free verse, and prose poems. Her language is rich and sensory, appealing to the reader's senses and emotions.

In the poem "Huella," she writes:

A Set Of Footprints In The Sand, Symbolizing The Lasting Impact Of Memories. Always Rebellious/Cimarroneando: Selected Poems By Georgina Herrera

Georgina Herrera's Always Rebellious Cimarroneando is a body of work that is both deeply personal and profoundly political. Her poetry rebels against oppression, amplifies marginalized voices, and explores the complexities of language and identity. Through her lyrical prowess and evocative imagery, Herrera creates a world that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

As she writes in the poem "Rebelde Siempre":