HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL 674

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

AN ACT

RELATING TO STATE SYMBOLS; DECLARING A STATE BILINGUAL POEM; AUTHORIZING A COMPETITION TO SELECT A NEW STATE BILINGUAL POEM.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. STATE BILINGUAL POEM.--A poem written by Alberto Onaldo Martinez and entitled "We Love It Real Hot" is declared to be the first official state bilingual poem in recognition of Mr. Martinez's lifelong dedication to bilingual education and poetry. The poem is as follows:

          (first verse): 

"¡Bien venidos amigos, "Mí casa es su casa!"

Come savor our delicious salsa!

As the enchanting drama of Aztecan chiltepin, I unfold,

Indigenous to Aztec emperors of old.";

(second verse):

"Nuevo Mexico, "Tierra Encantada,"

Aquí, "Comida sin chile no es comida."

Precious gift from the Espejo and Oñate expeditions,

"Quemoso pero Sabroso," a chile Nuevo; Mexico tradition!"

(third verse):

"500 thirsty men, women, children, Spanish pioneers all,

Blazed 1,800 deadly miles of El Camino Real.

7,000 cattle, and 80 covered wagons for daily needs,

Among them, apple and the cherished chile seeds.";

(fourth verse):

"Fabian García, "founder of U.S. Mexican food,"

Your genius of chile, now well understood.

Your research showered upon our chile, fame,

Profound glory shines upon your name!";

(fifth verse):

"Chile, Nuevo Mexico's beloved, spicy fruit staple,

Fresh tortillas and a chile pot grace every table.

In early Autumn, along with corn,

Our tables, red and green chile do adorn.";

(sixth verse):

"Their alluring, fresh aroma fills the air,

Green chile pods roast everywhere.

Chile lovers eat your hearts out,

Here chile is king without a doubt!";

(seventh verse):

"Ah, Chimayo chile is so delicious to eat!

That cure-all food is a special treat,

So fiery good, it makes us sweat,

A runny nose is more proof yet.";

(eighth verse):

"A hot bite and you're chile afflicted,

Another bite and you're chile addicted!

¡Caramba! it's hot, turistas say,

They beg for more when out our way.";

(ninth verse):

"New Mexican farmers sweat and toil.

In unique ways, they till the soil.

As they sowed the seeds, they said,

"We love it real hot, both green and red!"";

(tenth verse):

"Aquí los rancheros no descansan,

Con el sol se levantan,

En la huerta de chile adelantan,

Ahí matanza, mucha fiesta, y celebran.";

(eleventh verse):

"Otoño is the season for La Cosecha,

Chile pickers gather all chile from la huerta.

"¿Quiere comprar chile?" call vendors to all,

That resonates throughout the Fall.";

(twelfth verse):

Papá has prepared the adove horno,

Piñon cedar fires crackle and glow.

Intense hot coals green chile roast.

"To the years' harvest, a hearty toast!"";

(thirteenth verse):

"Chile, abundantly stacked high by the wall,

Mamá and vecinas patiently peel it all.

Working and laughing, a most joyous delight,

As the fire dwindles low into the night.";

(fourteenth verse):

"The colorful red ristras that Autumn's beauty prolong,

Provide Mexican food all year long.

Adove casitas draped in red colors rare,

Say "Thanks, Mother Earth, you've done your share!"";

(fifteenth verse):

""Panza llena, Corazón contento,"

Eso siento, muy adentro.

¡Viva la fiesta, Matachines y Mariachis, que tal!

Gracias, Mil gracias for our beloved chile natal.".

      Section 2. STATE BILINGUAL POEM COMPETITION.--The poem entitled "We Love It Real Hot" shall cease to be the official state bilingual poem when another state bilingual poem is adopted by law. The cultural affairs department may conduct a bilingual poem competition to select a new poem for consideration by the legislature in 2013 or later, to be designated as the state bilingual poem.

     Section 3. STATE BILINGUAL POEM FOR EDUCATION AND TOURISM.--The cultural affairs department, the public education department and the tourism department shall use the state bilingual poem to advance bilingual education in the state and to further the goals of each department.

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