Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Camille DArienzoSeptember 29, 2008

I feared the bugs in Nicaragua
more than invading contras.

Other foes, omnipresent dust and drought,
rendered remarkable the clotheslines,

clean garments flaunted flag-like
before the enemy.

Strong women skilled at washing
grime and blood and tears
would not succumb to dust.

Each washing pledged them to tomorrow
for their children.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

The people of God see the bishop of Rome as a teacher, but they also unquestionably see him as a father.
J.D. Long GarcíaMay 01, 2025
Since the death of Pope Francis, lists of his possible successors have proliferated on social media and in newspapers. Should you trust them?
Colleen DulleMay 01, 2025
A Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter, by Terrance Klein
Terrance KleinApril 30, 2025
In a pre-conclave meeting, an Italian cardinal, and backer of Cardinal Parolin as next pope, attacked Pope Francis for opening positions of responsibility in the church to men and women not in holy orders.
Gerard O’ConnellApril 30, 2025