“Elena” by Pat Mora (1984)

This is an example of a persona poem, in which Mora gives voice to a Mexican woman who has moved to the United States with her husband and children. She must learn English to remain relevant to her children and to adjust to the family’s new life.

“Curandera” by Pat Mora (1984)

In this poem published in the same collection as “Elena,” Mora describes a curandera, which is Spanish for a female folk healer who mixes medicinal plants and spiritualism to treat illnesses. It is a good example of Mora’s interest in people who remain strongly connected to indigenous traditions and beliefs.

“La Migra” by Pat Mora (1993)

This poem exemplifies Mora’s abiding interest in the lives of Chicanos/Chicanas living near the United States border with Mexico. It dramatizes the conflict between the United States Border Patrol and undocumented border crossers. The first part of the poem expresses the Border Patrol’s arrogant belief that they can catch undocumented migrants easily and may treat them with little sympathy or courtesy. In the second part, however, a female speaker who represents all Mexican border crossers offers her courageous and defiant response.