Unavoidably American by Ashley Algarin Lopez

Born on an island where the coquí speaks first- where the sun is Taíno, rising over a people never meant to disappear.

They call me American, but my tongue learned Spanish first, and my roots stretch into soil never asked what it wanted to be. 

I am from Puerto Rico -American, whether I chose it or not. And still- I am learning to listen.

To tongues that don't roll their R's like mine, to stories that don't taste like sofrito.

I have learned that being included is not the same as being considered.

And I'm still learning what it means to share a country that does not always share with us.

Because arrival and convenience are not the same as acceptance.

I carry an island in my chest while standing on mainland ground - unapologetically Puerto Rican, unavoidably American, rooted in culture, refusing to be erased.

Because this country- loud, complicated, beautiful- is not whole without us.

It is a chorus, not in sameness, but in connection.

And we, Latinos, shape the sound.

Ashley's Bio:

Ashley Algarin López is a Puerto Rican poet and self-published author of "They Know My Heart" and "She's no longer here". Her work explores identity, healing, grief, and the quiet strength it takes to set boundaries and let go. Through poetry and spoken word, she writes for those learning to choose themselves while carrying everything they've been through.