The author describes their arrival in a small town after a few hours in the car, wanting to escape the political chaos and xenophobia of Madrid. The town’s streets resemble those of the Alpujarras, with a calming atmosphere of people going about their evening routines. The author finds solace in the quiet of the town, appreciating the precision of the sights and sounds around them. They have brought poetry books with them on this trip, seeking emotional strength and comfort in the works of poets such as Emily Dickinson and Antonio Machado. The author reflects on the power of literature to provide solace in times of darkness and isolation.
The author muses on the sense of anonymity and insignificance that can come in times of emotional struggle, highlighting the importance of love, friendship, nature, silence, and poetry in providing comfort and connection to the world around us. They describe immersing themselves in the natural sounds of the river and the surrounding landscape, finding beauty and peace in the music of the water and the rustling of the trees. The author meditates on the quiet beauty of the night sky, watching as the moon rises over the silhouette of the hill, evoking a sense of wonder and connection to the past.
As the author returns to the town, they observe a group of Muslim women chatting in Arabic while their children play in a mix of Arabic and Spanish. They reflect on the changing demographics of the town, which has seen an influx of immigrant families who have helped sustain the local economy and community. Despite claims of rising crime rates due to immigrants, statistics show that immigrant communities typically have lower crime rates than native populations, as newcomers strive to integrate and avoid drawing police attention. The author’s cousin notes that immigrants are essential to the town’s survival, as they contribute to the labor force and support local businesses.
The author criticizes those who spread hate and falsehoods about immigrants, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and compassion in building a strong and vibrant community. They highlight the hypocrisy of those who claim to defend their homeland while demonizing foreigners, pointing out that the town’s prosperity depends on the contributions of immigrants and refugees. The author concludes by affirming the value of diversity and coexistence, urging readers to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace a more inclusive vision of society.
