Who volunteer early
Saturday mornings to
pick up sidewalk litter
bring food to church pantries
walk on cold dreary days
to distribute election
information door-to-door
en inglés y español

Gente como Señora Torres
advocating for their ballots
en español so she and others
can make heads or tails of
candidates and ballot questions.

She heard of those who stood
their ground on the Edmund
Pettus bridge who saw beyond
the state troopers ready
on horses with others standing
wide legged clenching heavy batons

who would be beaten because
they saw people like
Señora Torres waiting in
future times, in states
beyond the Alabama borders

people like Maria, Luis, others
ready to join them on a future
bridge.

Eloisa Gómez is co-author of Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists (WHS Press). Much of her poetry reflects central city life, acculturation, and the meaning of familia. Her poem, “Charlie's Coat,” was included in Bards Against Hunger 2018 Local Gems Chapbook, and “Manuelita La Mariposa” was included in Bramble Fall 2022. She is a WFOP member.