Ana Stapleton
La Poderosa by Ana Stapleton  Image: I grew up in a home with picture windows overlooking the Rio Grande, with rows of  cacti and agaves lining the hillside that led to the river. Those majestic plants formed the landscape of my memories. We watched the sun set beyond the agaves most nights, listening to mariachi music on the record player, with no phones or devices to compete for our attention. 

This piece honors not only the topography and music of Mexico,  but also the grace, power, and force of nature inherent in womanhood.
I grew up in a home with picture windows overlooking the Rio Grande, with rows of cacti and agaves lining the hillside that led to the river. Those majestic plants formed the landscape of my memories. We watched the sun set beyond the agaves most nights, listening to mariachi music on the record player, with no phones or devices to compete for our attention. This piece honors not only the topography and music of Mexico, but also the grace, power, and force of nature inherent in womanhood.