The Elements of San Joaquin

Chester Rowell, civic leader, speaking
about farmworkers in the Fresno Republican: “The main thing about
the labor supply is to muleize it . . . The supreme qualities of the laborer
are that he shall work cheap and hard, have no union, have no ambitions
and present no human problems . . . Some sort of human mule, with the
hibernating qualities of a bear and the fastidious gastronomic tastes of
the goat, would be ideal, provided he is cheap enough.”

~ From the introduction



The Elements of San Joaquin by Gary Soto is a collection of poetry originally published in 1977. Soto, poet, essayist, and playwright, is the author of dozens of books. His New and Selected Poems was a finalist for the National Book Award. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation.

Soto writes with simple words that carry deep personal meaning. Growing up in places like Fresno, Stockton and other places in the San Joaquin region brings a certain feeling of poverty, tradition, family, and a richness that develops from the three. Soto's writing of life in the 1950s and 1960s is one memory of a sometimes bleak existence without bitterness. When it's all you know it becomes the norm rather than impoverishment. Not having food and needing to hunt frogs or fish from the canal becomes an adventure with his brother. Nature seems to consist of ants and mice rather than animals most would think to remember. Working the land had a certain pride to it that meant something to those who worked the hoes. The environment no matter how harsh it seems is offset by growing up in a poisoned environment. The poison is manmade. DDT and other chemicals cover the fruit they pick and eat and it infiltrates the entire environment.

Soto's, work updated and revised, carries the message it did in the 1970s. He was a writer and in an almost forgotten term Chicano. His work is a tribute to those who worked the land and lived in poverty to provide food for those who lived a much better life. It is a tribute to the hard work, the loss, and the moments of joy in a simple life; moments that most would not find memorable or even special.  Well constructed and well thought out poetry about those who are underappreciated in our society.

These author does a wonderful job of evoking a special place and time in these poems. I really enjoyed reading the author's new introduction and his stories about growing up in San Joaquin. Even though some of these poems were originally published in 1977 they are timeless. Enjoy these beautiful poems

The Elements of San Joaquin by Gary Soto is a beautiful, haunting collection of poems. Divided into three sections, these poems focus on different aspects. Part one is full of gritty poems illuminating the stark reality of the poor and disenfranchised. One of the most haunting among this section is 'The Morning They Shot Tony Lopez, Barber and Pusher Went Too Far’. For me, this is because, though circumstances may have differed, it brought memories of my cousin's murder. Part Two focuses on scenes of nature and agriculture. Yet, even here, there are echoes and shouts speaking to the futility of life. One of the most evocative is near the beginning of the section, and this is 'Weeds’, emphasising both that futility, as of the farmer trying tirelessly to be rid of weeds, and of life’s tenacity, for weeds are notoriously difficult to extinguish. The last part returns to human experience, looking back to a childhood fading. Highly recommended for all who enjoy well-wrought poetry.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.