I am Jessica Blanchard

native of southern New Mexico

where the land puckers its dry, cracked lips

cutting its tongue like spines of nopalitos

protecting succulent fruit

where water struggles to flow

constrained and shackled

by greed

where I am bound

by the blood of my ancestors

a violent entanglement forced into being

through Spanish conquest and colonization

where I am haunted by

opposing identities and ideologies

fighting for space through

words and actions of people who

raised and shaped me

Indigenous resistance reclaiming voice

that is mine to own

I am Jessica Blanchard

wife mother daughter sister

striving to love better and

be loved in return

I am Jessica Blanchard

soul daughter of Mother Ocean

gentle rider of her waves

my heart belongs to

her Blue

I am Jessica Blanchard

teacher of critical literacy

honest history

justice and equity

I am Jessica Blanchard

founder of Blue Break Collective

a gathering space for

self-discovery

spiritual and creative nourishment

commitment to authenticity

and truth-telling

through art

Blue Break Collective

breathe | break open | break free | break through | become

© 2025 Jessica Blanchard