East Meets West

1 Well over a thousand years ago the thunder of hooves resounded in the Carpathian valley. They came from the east- a tribe of warrior horsemen from beyond the faraway Urals crossing frozen steppes and settling midst fertile meadows along the majestic Danube. They formed a new nation, soon held in awe by all of Europe and even by mighty Rome. Saint Stephen introduced Chridtianity, and became Hungary's first ruler next in history, came a series of monarchies. Through generation after generation, cultural memories of Asia grew dim. Bloodlines mixed with neighbors'- mainly German, and the peoples' complexion and haircolor lightened. Yet echos of the east still erupt in music, dance and costumes and the language remains distinctly unique- among mankind's myriad tongues. My forefathers have known perpetual invaders Tartar, Turk, Russian, but have always thrown off conqueror's shackles. And today freedom is restored. 2 Sometimes during distant centuries in an area known today as Mesoamerica magnificent civilizations bloomed midst steamy jungle- home to monkeys, jaguars and multicolored parrots. These ancient tribes rose and fell in sucession- The Olmec, Chichimeca, Toltec, Aztec. Names that resound only in history. Today, their ruins- of pyramids, great cities, still stand and can be seen at Tula, Palenque, Uxmal... The people developed intricate irrigation systems, cultivated corn, squash, looked to the stars for guidance, and charted the heavens. The wealthy, kings and priests, adorned themselves in opulent splendor gold's brilliance offset by dark jade. This was a mighty chapter in history. But then came the Conquistadors robbing them of their language and religion replacing those with their own. And a new race was born- the Meztizo. Still later in time, many of these mixed bloods came north, crossing the great river and the desolate Chisos- across desert lands, home of the Comanche, Apache, Pueblo and Navajo. They ventured still northward from farms to cities. Then, this was a young nation- new at least for the Europeans not so, for the native people rapidly dwindling. Today one hears of Chicanos and La Raza- ethnic pride survives, but the mythical homeland- Aztlan is but an elusive dream. It is the year 2011. Into the 21st century. I, the poet, born and raised in the Midwest, daughter of Hungarian refugees. My husband, born in Cuatrocienigas, Coahuila Birthplace also of Carranza, father of the Mexican Constitution. The United States- Los Estados Unidos -truly a melting pot.