By Yasmin Morais
we flatten our stories
to fit the metrics
the lines
the times
the tables
that are so logical
that lose their color
and are so cold
they lose their meaning
they lose their feelings
who does it matter to?
when our courage
it doesn’t fit in these rules
our construction
has another rhythm
our revolution
doesn’t fulfill steps
doesn’t end with the fiscal year
let’s take over the spreadsheets!
and redo them
let’s transform them
¡sentipensemos!
I transform myself as I observe
I’m part of the transformation I report
how can I not see myself in who I listen to?
I become a mirror
I admit that I mix
I admit that I’m affected
I mix my colors with yours
my doubts and anxieties
with the hopes we planted
the pains and the struggles
and the result
is not a number
not a single story
it doesn’t fit in reports
and not even into time
it’s past, present and future
the result
is unfinished
inconstant
inappropriate
it’s sentido
that pulses
and that guides us
closer to ourselves
Sources:
Fals Borda y Rodríguez Brandao C. (1987) Participatory Research. Montevideo: La
Oriental Band
Yasmin Morais is a Programme advisor at Rede Comuá, and this poem was first published by Rede Comuá.