Tamalada
By Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson
Photograph by Francisco Cortes
An award-winning, internationally-recognized poet, lyrically dazzling rapper, and melodious singer, Andrea–perhaps better known by her stage name, Vocab–is the consummate artist, and a vital thread in San Antonio’s tapestry. From 2020 to 2023, she served as our city’s Poet Laureate, providing her wisdom and wit during a time when we needed it most. Here, she presents the season and the city in a way that makes one’s heart beat for all things San Antonio.
Tamalada
Corn husk sticky, steamy and hot to the touch
full of fragrant spices wafting into every corner of the room.
Chili powder so aromatic it blooms
filling up the space like the laughter of familia and friends,
heavy as maize. Rumbling bellies await the treat of moist tamales.
It’s a part of the holiday festivities.
It spreads like joy.
Foil paper the color of tinsel noisily unfolds
in wrinkled rivets landing on countertops.
In San Antonio, we unwrap every gift of comradery to
the retelling of memories and treasures
with a backdrop of Tejano on the radio, or
Or Country on the radio, Classic soul like Nat King Cole on the radio
& Bing Crosby melodies foretelling
that everywhere you go, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
It’s a magical dust that floats forward into the season,
traditions ringing in the air like Salvation Army bells,
or The Carol of Bells echoing through
North Star Mall with its gigantic illuminated brown and white boot.
Yes, the roots of our customs run deep in the heart of Texas.
Like a fulminous menorah lit by a shamash candle rings radiant in the denim hued sky.
Candlelight dances in the dark painting Hanukkah blessings over the city.
Now you can go ice skating in Travis Park or
take a cruise by the Pearl on 37 South
It feels like the Christmas spirit has been itching to come out all year long.
The good old songs begin to play on Kono 101.
In downtown my heart is greeted by the anthems of winter at the annual
Ford Holiday River Parade as choirs & carollers serenade us with Feliz Navidad.
Their merry harmonies float down the waterways of the Riverwalk.
The lights are all aglow around the whole city from Walzem Rd to Marbach to Broadway
where Incarnate Word University has the most colorful display of trees.
The chill breezes through the garland and strands of light,
igniting our hearts’ desires for a fireplace lit by a blazing hearth.
But we ain’t done yet!
The mirth of the season gallops around Sa-town tucking itself into Elf Louise boxes full of toys.
It nestles into the Food Bank with donated frozen turkeys tossed from hand to hand by volunteers,
who are also packing up canned goods with cheer.
San Antonio, it’s so amazing here.
Es Sagrado aqui.
I revere the fondest memories of visiting Wolffe Nursery, to survey the trees.
I cherish those special times with my family,
always looking for the perfect one to take home,
so it can fill our space with the scent of pinecone.
We would attend the Cantata at the Alamodome where songs rise into the rafters.
After so many years of time tested traditions,
I can sit back and feel the nostalgia kindle the yuletide flames.
I gathered my glossy golden gift bag for a Secret Santa exchange at Mi Tierra restaurant.
I indulge in pan dulce and Mexican hot chocolate,
flaunting my Christmas spirit like a fuzzy winter fleece.
I wish passersby good tidings of comfort and joy.
My hope is that peace will fill their hearts for the new year to come.
Soon fireworks will release into the sky and Auld Lang Syne will resound around the world.
I will wrap my heart up in well wishes and the thoughts of New Years’ kisses.
May blessings swirl and circumference us with spirit and compassion for our fellow friends.
May this tamalda be the kick off to many festivities until we meet again.
By Andrea "Vocab" Sanderson
City of San Antonio Poet Laureate Emeritus 2020-2023
