Manuel J. Vélez is
a poet in the Chicano tradition, yet goes beyond and uncovers
the deep humanity of the borderland soul. His love and cariño
for his frontera culture is imbued throughout his poetry. This
is a collection of poems that illustrates the mestizaje of the
border culture with its study of a variety of individuals. Individuals
with which we can identify as part of our ambiente and ourselves.
This collection includes
images and sounds of barrio culture, the migra experience, field
work, our viejitos and viejitas, the veterano, the language barrier
Chicanos frequently experience, and Vietnam, among others. The
title of the book BUS STOPS AND OTHER POEMS refers to the six
different poems throughout the collection titled "Bus Stop."
These short character studies are reflective, invoking emotion
through the strong images depicted in few words. Vélez's
characters are not idealized representations that we often see
in the works of young poets, but a study of complex human beings.
Especially touching is "Conversations
with Lupe." The poem captures the deep devotion that Latinas/os
have for the Virgen de Guadalupe, a commonality we share a a
Raza. In this poem ddivided into six sections, Vélez portrays
a widow's conversations with the Vigen de Guadalupe. Interspersed
between her conversations are verses about the Virgen's perspective.
These struggles and prayers are cleverly sprinkled with humor.
Vélez skillfully attains a balance between the serious
nature of our struggles and our ability to laugh at ourselves.
Manuel J. Vélez is
a talented new poet in the traditional genre of Chicano poetry.
His characters go beyond the archetypes constructed in our literary
tradition. Vélez veritably recreates the authentic border
barrio with this wonderful collection of verse.
