Sandra Cisneros

1. SandraCisneros Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Original Poems Bibliography Bibliography Created by Morgan Hausauer

2. Biography Sandra Cisneros: “The Most Famous Chicana Writer” “Revenge only engenders violence, not clarity and true peace. I think liberation must come from within.” This was stated by Sandra Cisneros, who further explains this point of view in her poetry. Cisneros is a Mexican-American woman, who was born on December 20, 1954. She was raised in a predominately poor community in Chicago, Illinois. Her mother was an immensely strong, independent woman who was Cisneros’ main role model. Her father was an upstanding citizen and worked excessively hard to provide for his family of nine. His homesickness greatly affected his children’s lives, and caused a homeless feeling for his only daughter. She moved between Chicago and Mexico City the majority of her childhood, but currently resides in San Antonio, Texas (“Hispanic Heritage: Sandra Cisneros ). Cisneros’ writing success has been affected by many variables in her life. She got her start in writing as a young child growing up in one of the poorest communities in Chicago. She was the only daughter in a family of six boys and didn’t have a close relationship to any of them. I addition, she never made any long-lasting friendships, due to her families near constant migration between her birthplace and her father’s hometown. All of those factors led her to feel lonely, and she began creating stories and characters in her head (“About Sandra Cisneros”). Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

3. Biography Cont. She was encouraged to put them on paper when her mother took her to the local library. Cisneros playfully states, “I always tell people that I became a writer not because I went to school but because my mother took me to the library. I wanted to become a writer so I could see my last name in the card catalog,” (“Sandra Cisneros Quotes”). Cisneros pursued this dream as she matured and got a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University. She then went on to earn a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa. Soon after, she published her first novel in 1984, The House on Mango Street. She claims that this work and many others by her were influenced by strong male writers, such as Jorge Luis Borges, James Writ, Richard Hugo, and Theodore Roethke (“Sandra Cisneros”). They turned out to be very efficacious people to model her works after, as she because very successful. In 1995, she was awarded the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship award. In 2003, she was granted the Texas Medal of Arts (“About Sandra Cisneros”). Several things have affected Cisneros’ poems and novels. First and foremost, she writes almost always about her childhood and how it formed her as a person. An unusual theme in her poems is about how she is a bad person. She reiterates in many poems how she let people down and made poor choices, but she has very little regret about these decisions. She also includes the point of view of influential people in her life who have suffered in some way. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

4. Biography Cont. Biography In addition, she writes poems in English, but with several Spanish words incorporated (“Sandra Cisneros”). She will leave an impression on the literature community because she writes freely about her controversial stand point on taboo topics such as: feminism, sexuality, and unhealthy relationships. Without a shadow of a doubt, Sandra Cisneros will leave a lasting impression on future poets and nations. List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

5. List of Works Old Maids Las Girlfriends Caramelo You Are My Saltwater Pearl My Wicked, Wicked Ways Loose Women Night Madness Poem Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

6. Sample Poems Night Madness Poem by Sandra Cisneros There's a poem in my headlike too many cups of coffee.A pea under twenty eiderdownsA sadness in my heart like stone. A telephone. And always myNight madness that outs like batsacross this Texas sky.I’m the crazy lady they warned you about. The she of rumor talked about -and worse, who talks.It's no secret.I'm here. Under a circle of light. The light always on, resisting a glass,an easy cigar. The kindwho reels the twilight sky.Swoop circling. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

7. Sample Poems I'm witch woman highon tobacco and holy water.I'm a woman delighted with her disasters.They give me something to do. A profession of sorts.Keeps me industriousAnd of some serviceable use.In dreams the origami of the brain Opens like a fist, a pomegranate,an expensive geometry.Not true.I haven't a clue Why I'm rumpled tonight.Choose your weapon. Mine—the telephone, my tongue.Both black as a gun. I have the magic of words, the power to charm and kill at will. To kill myself or to aim haphazardly.And kill you.    Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

8. Analysis Of Night Madness Poem In Night Madness Poemby Sandra Cisneros, she uses tone to show how she feels on the manner of which she and other women like her are interpreted. “A pea under twenty eiderdowns” means that even though she is living a comfortable life now, there is still something that is bothering her. The issue that continues to trouble her is further exposed in the lines “I’m a witch woman high/ on tobacco and holy water. / I’m a woman delighted with her disasters. / They give me something to do” which shows that she is aware of the mistakes she has made in her life, but is satisfied despite the fact that she must defend herself to critics. She reveals that she isn’t afraid to protect herself by speaking out for what she believes in, even though she has become famous, yet criticized, for those loud opinions. This is shown though the lines “The she of rumor talked about-/ and worse, who talks. / It’s no secret. / I’m here. Under a circle of light.” Perhaps she sees it as her duty to speak out for woman like her who have been put down because of their reckless ways, and believes that without having a voice for them, her writing abilities will go to waste. The reader is led to consider this because of the lines in “Night Madness Poem” stating, “A profession of sorts. / Keeps me industrious/ And of some serviceable use.” Her drive to support these women sends her to battle in some ways, as shown in the lines “Choose your weapon. / Mine—the telephone, my tongue.” The final lines of the poem “I have the magic of words, / the power to charm and kill at will. / To kill myself or aim haphazardly. / And kill you.” show that she is aware that her point of view and strong reinforcement of it could hurt her writing career, but it may also silence people who are discriminatory against women like her. Sandra Cisneros’ use of tone helps the reader to feel her emotion towards the way she and others have been judged. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

9. Sample Poems • I chose Sandra Cisneros’ “Old Maids” because of its relatable topic. The lines “We don’t marry/ we’re too old/ by Mexican standards/ and the relatives/ have lone suspected/ we can’t anymore/ in white” struck me as a situation that many women deal with today. Cisneros is just one such woman who is frowned upon by her family for her lack of a successful marriage. Similar circumstances are shown in today’s pop culture, such as through movies like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Cisneros often connects with popular issues in today’s world. • Old Maids by Sandra Cisneros • My cousins and I, • we don't marry. • We're too old • by Mexican standards. • And the relatives • have long suspected • we can't anymore • in white. • My cousins and I, • we're all old • maids at thirty. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

10. Sample Poems • Who won't dress children, • and never saints-- • though we undress them. • The aunts, • they've given up on us. • No longer nudge--You're next. • Instead-- • What happened in your childhood? • What left you all mean teens? • Who hurt you, honey? • But we've studied • marriages too long-- • Aunt Ariadne, • Tia Vashti, • Comadre Penelope, • queridaMalintzin, • Senora Pumpkin Shell-- • lessons that served us well. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

11. Sample Poems “Caramelo” by Sandra Cisneros has several beautiful lines that struck me as significant. The end lines of the poem, which are “I am considered harmless. / Armed and dangerous. / But only to me,” I found very insightful. It is nearly a narrative of her life in the ways that she is pleasant to others, but tears herself down. I believe that this is something that most people do, and Cisneros showed that she connects with people on a deep level in “Caramelo.” Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros I sleep with the catwhen no one will have me.When I can't give it awayfor love or money --I telephone the oneswho used to love me.Or try to lure the leeryinto my pretty web. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

12. Sample Poems I'm looney as a June bride.Cold as a bruja's tit.A pathetic bitch.In short, an ordinary woman.Grateful to excessiveness.At the slightest tug of generousness,I stick to the cyclops who takes me,lets me pee on the carpetand keeps me fed.Have you seen this woman?I am considered harmless.Armed and dangerous.But only to me. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

13. Inspired Poems My Wicked Wicked Ways by Sandra Cisneros This is my father. See? He is young. He looks like Errol Flynn. He is wearing a hat that tips over one eye, a suit that fits him good, and baggy pants. He is also wearing those awful shoes, the two-toned ones my mother hates.  Here is my mother. She is not crying. She cannot look into the lens because the sun is bright. The woman, the one my father knows, is not here. She does not come till later.  Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

14. Inspired Poems My mother will get very mad. Her face will turn red and she will throw one shoe. My father will say nothing. After a while everyone will forget it. Years and years will pass. My mother will stop mentioning it.  This is me she is carrying. I am a baby. She does not know I will turn out bad Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

15. Inspired Poems Old Photograph by Morgan Hausauer (Inspired by My Wicked, Wicked Ways) Smiles in an old photograph, The ones that make me laugh. That, right there, is my father. Gentle strength of our family. His eyes squint against the boiling sun. It’s toll has been taken, his cheeks ruddy like a fresh poppy. Basketball shorts, button up shirt, He thinks he looks sharp. This is my momma. She’s exuberant, you could never tell. Small weak grin barely kept on her face. She holds my big sister close, Already seeming afraid to lose her. I will come later, They don’t know their lives are not yet complete. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

16. Inspired Poems Loose Women by Sandra Cisneros You bring out the Mexican in me.The hunkered thick dark spiral.The core of a heart howl.The bitter bile.The tequila lágrimas on Saturday allthrough next weekend Sunday.You are the one I’d let go the other loves forsurrender my one-woman house.Allow you red wine in bed,even with my vintage lace linens.Maybe. Maybe.For you.Quierosertuya. Only yours. Only you.Quieroamarte. Atarte. Amarrarte.Love the way a Mexican woman loves. Let me show you . Love the only way I know how. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

17. Inspired Poems The Mexican in Me by Morgan Hausauer (Inspired by Loose Women) You bring out the Mexican in me.Deep within us all,Through heritage or humanity.You have found it contained beneath my crystal façade.Outside of familiar comfort,You discover me still.Beyond my skin, beyond my soul,The other side of sanity, out of control. Unlike the girl I thought I knew so well, I scarcely recognized who I’ve become.Those months modify what I am,And what I believe is fact.You bring out the Mexican in me,And I may never go back. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

18. Inspired Poems Las Girlfriends by Sandra Cisneros Tip the barmaid in tight jeans.  She's my friend.  Been to hell and back again.  I've been there too.  Girlfriend, I believe in Gandhi.  But some nights nothing says it  quite precise like a lone Star  cracked on someone's head.  Last week in this same bar,  kicked a cowboy in the butt  who made a grab for Terry's ass.  How do I explain, it was all  of Texas I was kicking,  and all our asses on the line.  At Tacoland, Cat flamencoing crazy  circles round the pool  player with the furry tongue.  A warpath of sorts for every  wrong ever wronged us.  Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

19. Inspired Poems My Plan (Inspired by Las Girlfriends) Tip the barmaid in the tight jeans. She’s my friend. Been to hell and back again. I’ve been there too. I believe in you. Like I believe in the lord. Only wanting joy for you. Fearing your vocation endangers my hopes. Be done, I beg of you. You’ll never get your innocence back. Act smart, I beg of you. Nothing is worth your safety. I want us together forever. Best friends for life. And you do not have my permission. To ruin that plan. Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

20. Original Poems Biography Think Green by Morgan Hausauer Think Green, I am instructed to do. But how can I think green, When all I think about it you Green is the summer grass through which you frolic, Paws keeping a beat, ever pounding like a heart. The bed that you rest your smooth, dark head upon, When the day becomes too much. The collar that proves you’re mine, Tags chiming relentlessly, a beautiful reminder. A friend is an understatement, Of what I have found in you. My buddy, my dog, my Marlie Boo. List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

21. Original Poems Biography Depth of Evil by Morgan Hausauer The sea roars with bliss, Awaiting the arrival of the ignorant swimmer. A soaking wet fire boiling deep beneath the surface, The darkest of desires left uncontested. Starving, yearning for another victim. Beautiful murderer, stunning destructor. “10,000 Leagues Under the Sea” Evil knows no depth. The origin of joy, The source of mourning. Meer mortals can not find sufficient strength to fight it, So from dust you come, and to dust you shall return. List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

22. Bibliography Biography Credits: http://www.sandracisneros.com/ http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/a_f/cisneros/cisneros.htm http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/chh/bio/cisneros_s.htm http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/747 http://www.identitytheory.com/people/birnbaum76.html http://voices.cla.umn.edu/artistpages/cisnerosSandra.php Photo Credits: http://events.stanford.edu/events/78/7835/(Cisneros) http://www.laprensatoledo.com/Stories/2006/September%2027.%202006/Cisneros.htm(Cisneros)(Cisneros) http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-literary-criticism/cisneros-sandra-vol-118(Cisneros) Http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSfGHucr_Ad9AEi-qppiYRIToJhXArz-RzlvSXzJp97M-zJLxp (Mexican Summer) Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

23. Bibliography http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvW1nUndQwLqR4B7VDd2wZCeQz2R-MkVniVSKInKjMlrx-ab3igQ (Family Picture) http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSi4SUpa5eYd1ZkTZ2Ggdar2su-QWrRhrtB5_-5yTPuBy_ioLBTuw (Angry Sea) http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1240737419162&set=a.1169484597886.2025426.1251113258&type=1&theater (Marlie) http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzKBX9C9tEVeaXJBCpu8bQVK2j0fNf9w4dP7T5EeRTOyUllEUn (Rings) http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNFZ1tVnJ5kC0oG90XVCFETnn73G4Xd06B4sVYcLWD_OqWFvzc (Crying) http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS6-ehePXvGed7HlIFp2L-jjjX6EGrvyOkZ4-byx35zpN0zqiV_ (Latino Family) Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography

24. Bibliography http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRhHk2FZRqXXwHngLord9l9g45I-ZBXg8AdFGqzUxknog7hdAUeSA (Red Wine) http://dilldosti.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html (Night Madness Poem) http://henniz.com/fooled-florida-bartender-liability/ (Bartender) Biography List of Works Sample Poems Inspired Poems Original Poems Bibliography