Of course, I hid—
Just like so many of us do,
When the world tells us to be small,
To dim the fuego that burns in you.
The message is loud,
The message is clear:
“Your difference isn’t welcome here.”
So we shrink, we fold, we tuck away,
The parts that make us valiente today.
But these threads,
These unique strands of light,
Are what give us fuerza,
What make our hearts ignite.
It’s time to shift,
To break the mold,
To stand up tall,
To be bold.
Let’s embrace what makes us whole,
Unhide the soul,
For only in the luz
Can we truly belong,
And in belonging,
We grow strong.
Personal Note: As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that make our community vibrant and strong. We often tuck away the very things that make us stand out, fearing the judgment and rejection that might come our way. But here’s the truth: our differences are our superpower—they’re what make us human, what makes us limitless. Only when we stop hiding and step out of the shadows can we truly flourish, creating a world where everyone finds their place and feels they belong.
– Elaine Montilla
