Dear Crispin,
by Luis Humberto Valadez

                         

In response to your query “I Am a Victim of a Traditional Class”:

You are a joy to be around. I don’t want you to as I am.

As I am is the tradition of not making yourself in front of others or it is the tradition 
of making yourself only in front of others.

English is victimizing so many of our aims. Our aims are only as strong as the doors 
they can penetrate.

I hear, from you, father and mother do not see a victim who takes many 
examinations for class distinctions that are solid lines not bending like the radicals 
of your name

You hear, from me, your dream is like afternoon rest that is not tradition where I 
come from, like the values that guide you to sneak away from your parents’ class to 
English. 

Class time will be given for you to write on very thin paper, spelling your name without radicals 
tightly pulled back like a hood on my head during our winter 
classes

I notice you never wear one. Have you learned how to accept the cold? 

								Sincerely, 

								Luis