Many people that the Chileans killed in Peru
During the Pacific War, they didn’t know they killed—
They stared about wildly in those far-off days
When the moon came dark; quick eyed!
There in the trees, by the River Chicama in
Trujillo, Peru, the Rio that is normally dry, in
February flows high with vying white waters:
Rains from the Sierras come like jumping rabbits
Whispering doves, darkens the grass; torrent!
The inhabitants ran from their homes and fields
Screaming, “The Chileans are coming!” —
Civilians, tried to cross the Rio, a young girl
Was swept away from her father by a current!
Dragged like a wet ragdoll, down river…
A boy named Yonel Arroyo Sanchez saved her!
But like a snake moving slowly, the Rio
Grabbed Yonel and pulled him down and under!
Swallowed him whole, —he was a hero!
And He was but ten-years old.
Let us not forgot, such sorrows, and tales and trails,
And shadows… They belong to our culture!
#4771/ 7-21-2015
Note: Inspired by Manuel Valera, whom
over a cup of tea, on a quiet Tuesday evening, of reading poetry, explained how
one of the Heroes of Trujillo, came about becoming a hero.
