A Poem by Maritza Oropeza Kritz

Maritza Oropeza Kritz is volunteer, educator, and ambassador for Latino Outdoors. We love her poem “Sana Sana,” which translates to “heal, heal.” We couldn’t help but think of the Spanish saying, “sana, sana colita de rana.” Culturally significant to Latino/a/x/e communities, it is a consolation that healing is on the way.

Sana Sana by Maritza Oropeza Kritz

I walk amongst the trees
Brisk breeze flowing through my hair
I look up at my ancestors
Protectors of the land
Whispers of cries
What have we done to the land?

I follow their cries to the mountains
Gazing at our beloved earth
I see her yearning of thirst
Empty forest and black clouds
On the brink of collapse
Lands bare and seas empty
Senseless wars against nature
Man’s envy has overcome his humanity
Days are numbered
As we drift closer to extinction
What have we done to the land?

Nourish our earth for she will always forgive
Our shelter of wonders
Do not destroy her innocence
Our strength in numbers can heal
The earth is our teacher
The earth is our mother
The earth is our home
Without our home, we are nothing