Letter To Chile From A Corner Of The World

By Mikhail Saavedra

I write this as I head to yet another event in solidarity with the earthquake victims. I do so with a heavy heart which betrays the obvious. I am a product of that long, conflicted yet creative and generous land.

We are people of the Sun. We have at times overcome throughout our history a custom for suffering and saying “yes, but not so much” which has provided such good inspiration for our comedians.

We are crafty and ingenious even if now getting meat, oil or water for many may be a miracle only the Holy Virgin Mary could achieve.

I wanted this letter to be a rallying cry to make it all better, but the will is lacking as I begin this note. The truth is I have been missing Chile, I have been needing Chile. I have tried to stay strong but I am failing. It isn’t just the distance, it isn’t just nostalgia for a game of outdoor soccer (Pichangas) or the celebrations announced by church bells or wine or beautiful flying comets. (Volantines)

It’s really the people, these are really just words that love and have loved people there. As I surrender to my daydream and start my journey back trough the tunnel of time. I start at the beginning, I think of all I felt growing up there. Defeat and victories, indifference and passion, self pursuit and solidarity. I think of auntie Chabela for example who never once failed to make something delicious for that evening meal (Once) or my legion of brothers/sisters/cousins who barely allowed me to not sit on their laps as a child because they simply had too much affection to give. But I also think of their children I have yet to meet, who can’t sleep anymore for fear of the Earth shaking. I wonder if anyone out there reading this also wishes they could just give that protection and safety every child deserves. I wonder if my Karina’s, Vanessa’s, Eduardo’s or Ricardo’s and so many others bring out the same feelings in you. Not directly my children, yet mine nonetheless.

As I let my thoughts travel back to Chile I admit that I felt despair when I began this letter. That is no longer true, by reminding myself of the miracle of love of family and love of country I have given wings to this tired body which as a gift has reminded me that there is no time for despair, just solidarity and action. “Thanks to life that has given me so much” said Violeta and I believe her. As my daydream comes to a close I envision rebuilding the country from its beautiful ocean to its highest peak and more importantly rebuilding the circle of us where we will link arms with the ghosts of all those no longer with us. Once that circle is complete we will all dance, I promise you we will dance…