JUST LAND

The section titled “JUST LAND” explores themes of heritage, identity, and the deep connection between people and the places they come from. Through a mix of poems, essays, and fiction, this section reflects on the significance of land and roots in shaping personal and collective identities. The poems delve into the inheritance of culture and memories, the passage of time, and the bonds between generations, as seen in works like “Herencia,” “The Queen of Bees,” and “Jibaro Dreams.” The essays provide introspective narratives on living in specific landscapes, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and the influence of environment on behavior, highlighted by pieces such as “Living Near St. Catherine School” and “Swinging.” The fiction stories capture moments of stillness, introspection, and the impact of place on the human experience, illustrated in “Lights Out” and “The Stillness of Flight.” Overall, this section underscores the profound connection between land, memory, and identity, exploring how the places we inhabit shape who we are.