First came Columbus, asking for Indians,
“I don’t have any,” I said, “but would you like some Arawak instead?”
and he just left, thanking me for the Indians.
Then you came and baptized me with your name: Amerigo,
you killed my Incas and Aztecs and made me what I am now.
I’m yours because you discovered and claimed me;
where many just sailed by, you decided to stay and build;
where others saw a good bargain, you saw an opportunity
to build a civilization.
I’m America, I’m yours because you had the courage
to make me yours, your conquest
means more than blood on swords, it means
you’ve decided to kill and die for me.
by Juan M.S
