Tegucigalpa, City of gentle Hills

Sugar harvester, corn grower

Sweet cradle of my virgensita de Suyapa

Mines that did and still hold

Hold in your strong arms Silver and gold

Oh city of endless gentle hills

City of the pounding hammers

Capital of the country and of my heart

Everyone has told that you are raging, which I won’t deny

As with violence you have drawn fear in everyone’s face

Everyone has told me you are distorted, and I agree

As I have seen broken promises in innocent eyes

Everyone has told me you are threatening, it may be true

As I have roamed through your foul streets at night

Everyone has told me you are vile, that it can be

As I have seen the rain of tears for those lost, never to return

And having answered so I turn once more to those who sneer at this my city,

and I give them back the sneer and say to them:

Tell my about another city that wakes up so vivid to the shining sun

With the hearts of its people burning so passionate with a vigorous fire

One that has gone through so much adversity and still stands up fighting

Which yet under misery keeps rebuilding, each day a little higher?

Hungry and ferocious as a wolf in the dark

Persistent as the bird that keeps trying to fly

A city that looks to reach higher every time

With silver rivers that carry hope under a bright sky.

Nowhere else can tell you such an ancient stories

These colonial buildings tell us secrets of our past

Surrounded by green fields and high mountains

I breathe the wild fresh scent of your forests.

Resting peacefully under “El Cristo del Picacho”

May everyone know we keep our pride on this city

The land where we were born and we will die

On this dearest Tegucigalpa:

Sugar harvester, corn grower

Sweet cradle of my virgensita de Suyapa

Mines that did and still hold

Hold in your strong arms Silver and gold

Oh city of endless gentle hills

City of the pounding hammers

Capital of the country and of my heart.

Blog #9 - Antonio Vallejo

Claire's Vivid Verbs

Claire scurried down the crowded hallway on this first day of school. She glimpsed to her left, and then to her right. Then, she dawdled to enter the throng of students. Was anyone buzzing about her? Although she yearned to speak to someone, she kept focusing straight ahead. However, it seemed that her classmates scrutinized her as they lingered to their classes. 

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/814715/bullying-is-no-kid-s-game-1

Blog #8 - Just Because Poem

Just Because There's Silence

Just because you are quiet

Doesn’t mean you don’t have something to say

It’s just not the right moment yet

To give your precious feelings away

Just because you remain silent

Doesn’t mean you don’t want to be heard

It’s just that they won’t listen closely

They won’t hear the graceful song of a bird

Just because you don’t grab attention

Doesn’t mean you are trying to hide

There’s no need for everyone but you

To really know and trust what’s inside

Just because you are alone

Doesn’t mean you won’t be given a chance

You just need to be patient to find

Someone that dances your same dance

Just because you think differently

Doesn’t mean you are crazy

It means everyone else is

And it’s ok if they never understand

http://blog.levante-emv.com/jserna/2007/09/21/humana-holganza/

Blog #7

Perfect Leader, Perfect Society




                       The sun shined as its rays penetrated the depths of the blue ocean that sparkled in the fresh morning. It was a new day in the Oceanic kingdom. The mermaids sang with their angelic voices. The magnificent buildings that stood tall gave everyone a reason to work hard for another day. Harmony now prevailed in the seas, fish, sharks, dolphins, whales, mermaids, crabs; they all got along after so many years of rivalries and divisions. It could all be attributed to King Maximilian, who ruled the sea and had established peace and union among them. Everyone had respect for him and admired him.

            Before peace came the seas were filled with terror. It was the law of the strongest which prevailed; the strongest would survive and take advantage of the weakest. Under this the sharks were considered the fiercest of the creatures. They spread fear through the sea. They ate everything they could mostly small fish. Their leader was Manfred an ambitious shark who plan on taking over the sea and become the most powerful creature in the entire ocean. Soon the sharks built a regimen and dictatorship. Many opposed, the whales and the dolphins put considerable efforts against them but the sharks were too strong killed anyone who would oppose. No one dared then to go against him. He was smart and took advantage from the decisions that had been for so long established between the groups of fish; he made them fight against each other. Now all creatures had to work and produce for the shark without having rights.

Maximilian had been a dolphin that had been captive along with other dolphins in an aquarium where he was trained to do shows. Every day he remembered his home and longed to be there again. Maximilian was very astute, the brightest among his colleagues. He also had great diplomacy; dialogue was something he knew how to use and always kept as an advantage. This went together with an irresistible charisma. Soon he was able to get the admiration and respect from all the sea creatures in the aquarium. With help from his comrades, Jeremiah and Luther who were two of the most illustrious dolphins they soon came up with a plan to escape. Through his powerful speeches he made all the sea creatures in the aquarium to cooperate. They were motivated by the thought of returning home, to swim in the infinite blue sea.  As the opportunity presented just as the plan dictated the creatures escaped and returned home.

As Maximilian and the others returned they could not believe what the sharks had done. This was not the life that they remembered. No one knew what to do but there was someone they could count on: Maximilian who did not fear Manfred. He along with Jeremiah and Luther decided to create an assembly in which the most prepared dolphins would gather as they were considered to be the brightest creatures of the sea. They had secret meetings where they plan a rebellion against the sharks and to form an army that would be able to defeat them. They knew they had to gather followers. Soon they spread their ideas among the sea. Many were convinced and encouraged through Maximilian’s speeches. They were really powerful and he described in them how great the future would be if all sea creatures worked together cohesively but first they had to get rid of Manfred. In not much time thousands joined the army calling themselves the resistance.  Fish form all species were gathered. Manfred blinded by his confidence was warned of these rebellions but did not pay much attention to this; instead he was planning on how to conquer the human race. Many thought he was crazy but he did not listened to anyone.

The army was now ready. Jeremiah was in charge and was the general. He knew that if they could kill Manfred they would win. He gathered the strongest creatures. The army mainly consisted in swordfish, barracudas, devil rays, whales and seahorses. Manfred had not prepared his army enough and it was outnumbered by the resistance. Regardless of this the battle was tough but after days of intense fighting the resistance was able to defeat Manfred’s Army. Manfred had to surrender but did not give up easily. He tried to escape but he was assassinated in his attempt.

This was the end of the terror. Manfred was now dead and the regimen was over as tranquility was returned. Maximilian was seen as a hero and was venerated afterwards. He had demonstrated how working together cohesively and staying firm upon your beliefs helped accomplish great things. Maximilian and his followers tried to spread these ideas of unity, ending with many divisions and conflicts fish had through the years. Everyone was convinced about him being a great leader and was crown king of what was now called the oceanic kingdom, a kingdom in which its habitants learned to work together. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hb1337/2579784925/

http://www.moonbattery.com/archives/2005/09/next_on_mother_1.html

Blog #6 - Antonio Vallejo

            There are times where God proves our will for good and benevolence. People are placed in our lives so we can give them help. I’ve always believed that we must show good intentions towards anything or anyone and any time we have the opportunity we must lend our hand to those in need no matter who it is. We must not expect that person to return the favor but a good cause always brings blessings. As a bishop devoted to God this is what I practice. Certainly I’ve had many situations to do so but there was one this time when I truly realized how important it is to keep a good heart towards anyone no matter how far from God they may be, we actually must help them get closer to him. Still to this day I remember that night, the night when he knocked on the door.

            

         It was another evening as usual. I had just taken my every day walk through town. Arriving home I continued with my duties. As I read and worked there in the middle of silence and tranquility it was time to have dinner. Madame Magloire was serving the plates as she was talking with sister Baptistine. She was saying something about locking the front door apparently because she had heard some nonsense rumors of a thief or fugitive, something like that so she thought we were running danger. The truth is I was not paying much attention to what she said and that idea was completely unnecessary.  There was no reason to be scared. Why should I deny anyone from coming to this home? After all it is God’s home not mine. Suddenly just as we spoke of the matter someone was knocking the front door, without thinking I just told him to come in as I did to anyone who knocked.

            

           The stranger opened the door as we all examined him as he stood there looking with uncertainty. I wasn’t uncomfortable at all by his presence but I remember looking at Madame Magloire who was frozen and terrified; I never understood why she always acts that way. The man looked desperate; I could see the suffering in his eyes. His skin was pale, his eyes were extremely tired and his voice was rough and so dry it was painful to hear. He explained who he was and his situation. I can recall his name was Jean Valjean. He said he was a convict that had been released and that he had walked 12 leagues looking for a place to stay but no one would let him in. How could I not offer this poor man my home when he had no shelter to rest? He was probably starving so the first thing I told Madam Magloire was to out another plate in the dining table. I will never forget Valjean’s face as I said this. He looked in confusion and amazement but still there was a joy at the same time shining in his eyes. He kept saying he was I convict but I tried to calm him down saying it did not matter. It made me feel glad he was now relieved and that I could give this poor man tranquility after so much misery. He offered to pay but I could not permit such thing, I could not take advantage of his situation. Knowing he had sinned I told him that he just had to regret what he did and look for good. I knew through his eyes that he had no bad intentions, he was just misunderstood, having no family he just needed love.

           

           However something happened the next day. Jean Valjean was gone, I wondered why he didn’t stay for breakfast. I was contemplating the delightful bright flowers in my garden, enjoying the fresh smell in the air when suddenly Madame Magloire came running in panic. It was not something unusual. Instantly I could deduce it was something related with the man that had stayed last night. I just wondered what he could’ve done. She asked me at first where the silver basket was, I handed it to her but then hysterically she asked where the silver was. Apparently it had been stolen by Valjean. I tried to calm her down. After all the silver didn’t belong to us at first, but it belonged to the poor. I did not feel any disgust towards the man as he was poor but felt sorrier for him. He evidently needed guidance and change his ways. His actions were comprehensible because of his necessities I just wished I could make follow the right path. I was thinking of this as there were several knocks on the door. At first I thought it could be him wanting to return the silver, maybe he had that much of honesty. I went to open the door and effectively he was there but in company of two officials. Shame and fear were widely present in his face. The officials were intimidating as they asked me if he had stolen the silver. There was no way I was going to let that poor man go to jail again I would never forgave myself for it. God understands why I had to lie; I had to save him from himself. I told them I had given him the silver. He was then set free but whispering I made him promised that he would use the silver to be an honest man. He deserved another opportunity and I had to give it to him. I haven't heard from him since then but my best wishes go to him. I hope he is having a better life. I'm sure he is doing fine and that he has learned from all his mistakes and that he has taken this opportunity to find God.

http://reflexionesparatejer.blogspot.com/2009/03/el-poder-del-perdon.html

http://www.derrickpaulmiller.com/photos.html

Blog #5 - Reflections on the Declaration of Independence - Antonio Vallejo

John Adams in this letter talks about the expeditions to establish Quebec as a colony. The troops fail due to a pestilence they had of smallpox. Afterwards he reflects on the declaration of independence and how it will be a historic event which will be celebrated through many generations in America. Regardless of that he knows there will be blood spill as not everyone will be happy with it.

http://thepaintedone.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/one-nation-under-god/signing-declaration-of-independence/

Rethorical Devices

“You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am very well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states” (Adams 686).

This is a good example of appeal to reason. It shows how Adams thinks rationally of the situation. Even though he is really enthusiastic he still predicts the conflict that will take place as not everyone will be happy with the independence. He understands and points out there might be sacrifices in order to obtain liberty. This device is important to the letter because it helps the reader understand the situation better and see both sides of it. 

“Yet through all the gloom I can see rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all means. And that prosperity will triumph in that day’s transaction” (Adams 686).

This is a good example of persuasion. John Adams is trying to convince the reader that the declaration of independence will still be a significant event that will benefit America through the next generations even though misfortune must be present for this to be achieved. It is important for the letter because it supports the writers idea which remains consistent through the whole letter about the good of the declaration and persuades the reader to agree with his position.

Blog #4 - Antonio Vallejo

            Mr. President: If you allow me, with all the respect he deserves I must refute to the wrong precipitated ideas of Mr. Henry. Such opinions are not worthy of a well educated man. I respect his ideas but we can see his thoughts clearly lack of enough coherence. How dare he refer in such way to his majesty and the loved mother Britain? After all it represents and all it means. You should be accused of treason due to such disloyalty.  You colonists must be grateful for all we have done for you.  We have given you protection and everything you need. It is reasonable then to ask your contribution for our economic and social stability. We have lost many things and taken many risks for your own sake, including our money and troops. We have enough reasons then to establish our army in your lands. Our troops deserve then to be treated the best way possible. So yes, there is justification, contrary to what you believe. All the reasons you have stated we deserve to be called tyrants or oppressors have actually been to maintain control and safety on these lands. What I don’t think there is justification for is to start a war. You say you want a revolution, but you must be careful with what you wish for. Do you really believe there is a necessity to take such decision? I think there are other measures that can be taken rather than those precipitated ones you mentioned. You must first ask yourself if it is really worth going against us and losing all benefits and privileges we have for so long provided you. Certainly there will be more losses than gains with a war. It wouldn’t be wise to be enemies. Just think about all the benefits there are with us being allies. It would hurt your economy as we Britain has been your main source for products and trading. You would also have to cost many expenses to fight the war which we have provided you in the past. Also it must be considered the powerful and well developed army we have. This factor along with the experience we have are big advantages which would make easy our defeat. Not to mention as well we know of strong allies which can help us. I warn you again this is not the best solution, both of us will end affected. We understand you want more liberty and I think that every man has the right for it, but I think it is unnecessary you fight a war for it. Surely we can discuss this and come up with terms that we all agree on and improve our relationship. His majesty and our legislature are always open to suggestions, but it seems you never seem to be satisfied with the options and solutions we offer. You keep in mind you background and origins, think about the nation that gave you life and has us here today. Is it appropriate to harm and go against our beloved Britain, not for a man who has values and principles. I ask you then to reconsider what you have said. A revolution will not bring any better future; it will just cause havoc and destroy everything we have worked so hard for.