To the CHILEAN POLITICAL PRISONERS
flying poem: To Gladys Marin
by Marcela Rodriguez, ex Political Prisoner

WHO ARE THE POLITICAL PRISONERS?

The political prisoners are women and men, workers and students who have belonged or still belong to revolutionary political organizations, progressive organizations, independent organizations, FIRST NATION people's organizations, social organizations, who have stood up against a system of oppression and inequality and have been prepared to give their lives for a better life for the people.

I have been a political prisoner, i was kidnapped in 1983, i was tortured, made into a pornographic installation for the people that were torturing me when i was 22 years old; after my release from jail, where i was sent mostly so that the obvious signs of the torture were not visible any longer i was blackmailed, constantly chased and harassed, when all i ever wished for in my life is for a country where all people can live in dignity and freedom to be.

I celebrate you Gladys Marin, in the same way that Marcela Rodriguez celebrates you, it is about time the WOMEN in our country play a greater leading role. We have always been there, mostly in the shadows of men, fighting the same, risking our lives the same, struggling for the same brighter future.

I celebrate you Gladys Marin, in the same way Marcela Rodriguez, Lautarina Warrior, now paraplegic and in a wheel chair for life, celebrates you.

You Gladys Marin, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Chile.