Marina Tristán

Marina Tristán

The times, they are a çhangin', and we don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. What once was certain has become shaky, a maybe, and in danger of disappearing while we ponder our options. Recall that simple yet complicated concept known as democracy?

Change confronts us faster than our ability to respond. When we do manage an answer to some of the changes, we know our response is weak, not enough, a perfunctory gesture that won't stem the tide.

The retirement of Marina Tristán, Assistant Director at Arte Público Press (University of Houston), after thirty-nine years with Arte Público, is massive change, a sea change, that deserves essays and opinion pieces, reflection and recollection.

I've known Marina for several years. I've been the recipient of her hard work and commitment to publishing strong, meaningful literature. She supported me when I doubted my writing. She encouraged me to write; she said positive things about my writing; and she never faltered in her duties to me as one of her writers.

She was the face of Arte Público Press -- a face I consistently encountered at book fairs and festivals, at publishing meetings, at academic conferences. Marina was everywhere and I didn't question how it was so; and now, after June 20, she will be gone from the Press. Arte Público will carry on, of course. But for a few minutes today I choose to remember, fondly and with deep gratitude, Marina Tristán, Assistant Director, Arte Público Press.  Perhaps I imagine her explaining Arte Público Press to a visitor to the publisher's booth at a book conference a thousand miles from her home.   And she may have a copy of The Ballad of Rocky Ruiz in her hands.

Subdued Sunset, Jefferson County, Colorado

Later.

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Manuel Ramos writes crime fiction.