Wilfredo Santos Rivera Poem to Sister Iris Violeta Santos Rivera

October 8, 2007

Iris Violet, beautiful flower, my dear soul sister. You should not have died, but you died. Now we are poorer because of your demise. We need you now more than ever. You were poorer than the poor you served.

I am still in shock, in denial, in grief. The pain I feel emotionally is profound. It is incredible how you continued to serve in spite of your cancer.

How proud and lucky I feel to be your brother. Wow! What a teacher. You taught me many lessons. You taught me how to fight for human and civil rights alone, if necessary. You taught me how to read between the lines.

Iris Violet, authentic Puerto Rican woman. I dreamt that I followed you. Then, I lost sight of you. I felt alone. Suddenly, I awoke and I realized that you would never return.

All that remains are the memories and the spirit of brother and sister that runs through my veins like the Rio Grande.

In life and in spirit, you were like a river, flowing freely through riverbeds, crystal clear, refreshing, full of life, love, and energy for the young, elders, and poor alike.

My sister, the children’s Guardian Angel, once you were innocent, underestimated, and discriminated against. Then you flourished into a delicate, strong, and beautiful Iris Violeta.

You led by example, bearing many crosses: Advocate and Activist for the cause of Independence of Puerto Rico and Vieques; Advocate and Activist Against the Death Penalty; Defender of the Sovereignty of Indigenous People; Human Rights Advocate por excelencia for Guatemala and the United States, especially for the children of Oklahoma Public Schools for the last seventeen years.

Your experience and your wisdom will be sorely needed.

You were always a radical woman. Your roots were well grounded in your country of birth, Naranjito, Puerto Rico.

There your ashes will rest, caressed by the Caribbean trade winds. And your spirit will be refreshed by the swaying royal palm fronds.

Sweet Lady of Humanity.

Adios! My soul sister.

I love you.