Who Understands Me but Me

“Immigrants in Our Own Land” by Jimmy Santiago Baca (1977)

This is the titular poem of Baca’s first book. Unlike “Who Understands Me but Me,” this poem is not rooted in Baca’s personal autobiography; instead, it explores the experience of immigrants who come to the United States looking for a better life. As a poet with Chicano and Indigenous American roots, Baca’s ancestors likely lived in a region that once belonged to Mexico. At some point, they likely had to immigrate to the United States after America took over those regions. Calling these people “immigrants” is ironic, and this poem details some of the injustices “immigrants” face even though they are on land that once belonged to them.

“I’m Offering this Poem” by Jimmy Santiago Baca (1990)

Like “Who Understands Me but Me,” this poem is rooted in autobiography. The speaker says that he has nothing to give except his poem. This reflects Baca’s experience in prison, when he had no money, power, or material expressions but was able to learn to read and write. Unlike in “Who Understands Me but Me,” Baca is not describing an experience of solitude but rather an experience of reaching out to others. He wants to remind the reader that he loves them, and that is enough to keep anyone alive. It is characteristic of the uplifting quality of much of Baca’s work.

“Green Chile” by Jimmy Santiago Baca (1989)

Baca is known for work that addresses issues of social (in)justice, addiction, and incarceration. This is a poem that deals with the much lighter topic of food and family. The speaker discusses people he knows who like red chiles, and how he prefers the green ones. Though this poem is about a less serious topic, it gives a window into Baca’s relationship with his birthplace and heritage, chiles being a fundamental part of Chicano cooking.