Poetry is like a song, like a psalm, like a prayer. Poetry is different things to many people, and April being Poetry Month, The Latina Book Club is celebrating by featuring Latino poets all week long. Theresa Varela is a poet, an author, a friend. We are proud to feature her and her new collection of poems, Answered by Silence . She has graciously shared one with us, with interview questions following. Happy poetry reading. Effortless I fall effortlessly down the stairs Toe caught by the metal edging My plaid skirt flips over my head White thighs flail Begging that no one sees My bowl of uneaten soup Eyes spill tears Upper lip swells in the throes of humiliation Back at school Sister Joan appraises me with a stern eye -You should have stayed home I nod in agreement and sit at my wooden desk for the rest of the day -Theresa Varela ...