An Eagle Stares is a short imitation poem that pays homage to Javier Zamora’s poem “Looking at a Coyote”. Zamora’s original poem focused on the aspects of the harsh and unforgiving journey that is crossing the border to the United States. Paying special attention to the “Coyotes”. Guides that help immigrants, leading them through the path that takes them across. While also talking about the harsh reality of the treatment immigrants receive from the journey, the coyotes, and the gringos. These themes were then altered and modified for my imitation poem. Focusing instead on the modern day-to-day routine of a Chicano, noting the discrimination, injustice, and contrast one faces compared to the average American.
The original poem’s most iconic aspect is its format. Outside of its free verse form, the poem has a very distinct look to the way the lines are placed and organized. With each line alternating from the left to the right side of the page, one in front of the other. This stylistic choice alongside the poem’s main theme, serves to emphasize the idea of the migration journey and the constant walking in the Mexican desert as the poem’s lines mimic footsteps. In order to create an accurate and more importantly, faithful imitation, both the imagery and what it’s meant to represent remain parallel within An Eagle Stares. It instead represents the journey of a Chicano teenager as he walks to school, noting the daily occurrences to happen near or to him. The lines within the poem are also modified to fit within the new context, however the main themes are kept within them. For example within Zamora’s poem the following line exists: “ gringos why do you see us illegal don’t you think / we are the workers around you” (13-14) showcasing the disdain that white Americans hold for Mexicans and other minorities, failing to see the fact that the hard work of immigrants is a crucial part of the economy, and despite their efforts, are still exploited and undervalued. This line changed to fit the context of my poem reads: “ Officer why do you eye me down as I pass by your window are you / appreciating the brown hue we share” (13-14). I wanted to comment on the internal racism that many Mexican immigrants are prone to, and how this behavior and treatment of their own culture leads to Chicanos sharing the same thought process, leading to Hispanics often discriminating against other Hispanics, overall damaging the culture and making us more prone to injustice to those in higher positions of power. Another aspect within his work, Zamora emphasizes the coyote’s Nike shoes. Noting the economic disparity between the coyote and those crossing. I believed those two stanzas to hold significant value within the poem, so I wished to incorporate that same idea within my work, choosing instead to note the principal’s son’s “rubber and steel” shoes, serving as a metaphor for the wheels that his car sits on, noting that the son of a principal would likely be financially well off and as such, be able to afford the luxuries of having his own vehicle. However, the next line shows that the “Farmer’s son” also has rubber and steel shoes, however this is used literally, to describe the work boots he has. Showcasing the financial disparity between the two students, while also alluding to the economic difference between the two ethnic groups. I also wished to further emphasize the subtle Mexican patriotism that lies within the creation of Looking at a Coyote, choosing to incorporate a recurring metaphor within the poem through a golden eagle. Known for being Mexico’s national bird, I chose it to represent Chicano youth, their ongoing struggles, and their search for growth in their new home.
Overall I loved reading Javier Zamora’s work along with being able to reinterpret his poem with my own imitation. Creating a connection between the treacherous journey that many Mexican immigrants face and the day-to-day struggles that Chicano’s face within the United States, as both face different struggles, but ultimately chase the same goal; a better, more prosperous future.
– Eduardo Ojeda Jr
Introduction to Poetry 