And only where the forest fires have sped, Scorching relentlessly the cool north lands, A sweet wild flower lifts its purple head, And, like some gentle spirit sorrow-fed, It hides the scars with almost human hands.
And only to the heart that knows of grief, Of desolating fire, of human pain, There comes some purifying sweet belief, Some fellow-feeling beautiful, if brief. And life revives, and blossoms once again.
In the dreamy silence Of the afternoon, a Cloth of gold is woven Over wood and prairie; And the jaybird, newly Fallen from the heaven, Scatters cordial greetings, And the air is filled with Scarlet leaves, that, dropping, Rise again, as ever, With a useless sigh for Rest—and it is Autumn.
Bend low again, night of summer stars. So near you are, sky of summer stars, So near, a long-arm man can pick off stars, Pick off what he wants in the sky bowl, So near you are, summer stars, So near, strumming, strumming, So lazy and hum-strumming.
Instrumentation: SSAATTBB chorus + speakers Duration: 5’14” Poet: Cristian Larios with other text from Know Your Rights presentation by the Chicago Legal Protection Fund
In 2017 I was able to work with The Resurrection Project in Chicago, a community based organization. They provide a variety of services to the Pilsen community , a primarily Latinx neighborhood, including education and resources for immigrants. Throughout my time with TRP, I worked heavilty with community navigators who traveled throughout Chicago to spread information regarding immigration.
in this house is for those affected by the current rhetoric surrounding immigration, especially those in the latine community. So often we are degraded by politicians and attacked verbally and physically. Not the mention the mistreatment from ICE officials and facilities. The piece aims to highlight the internal trauma and constant fear undocumented immigrants face daily. in this house also serves as a reminder, that undocumented immigrants are human people who deserve grace and love. Refugees and immigrants leave their countries for various reasons, usually out of their control.
Text:
If you are detained by ICE: 1) Remain Silent 2) You have the right to not sign anything 3) You have the right to call an attorney or emergency contact 4) You have the right to call your consulate 5) You have the right to find out your Alien Number
Todos tenemos estos derechos
If ICE comes to your home, do not open the door You are NOT required to open the door unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge Ask them to show you the warrant – Slide it under your door or hold it up to the window IF THEY TRY TO FORCE THE DOOR OPEN Write down the agents’ badge numbers and vehicles’ license plate numbers
– from Know and Exercise Your Rights presentation by Chicago Legal Protection Fund Community Navigator Fund ——————— this house was built dreams
and fears and hope and the unknown
this house was built on tradition and love and food
in this house we harbor “druglords, rapist, illegals, and aliens” in this house we harbor tias, primos, and hermanas in this house we harbor innovators, workers, and dreamers
cristian larios | composer 