Gouache painting titled “Training Hops” by Christie Tirado

We Had Our Reasons / Teníamos Nuestras Razones

2023 Washington Book Award Winner

#1 Best Seller Hispanic-American Poetry Chart Amazon

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Poems by Ricardo Ruiz

And other hard-working Mexicans from Eastern Washington

We Had Our Reasons is a collection of poems I created in collaboration with other members of the Mexican farm community in Eastern Washington. The poems, vivid and pointed, guide the reader through the thoughts and struggles that come with the decision to leave one’s home in Mexico, and travel to this remote, rural community of the United States.

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Ricardo Ruiz stands in front of a wood wall smiling and wearing a grey sweater and white t-shirt

Meet Ricardo

I am a poet and storyteller who takes pride in being a conduit for cultural connection and bringing marginalized voices into the center of all conversations that I am in.

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  • “I didn’t realize poetry could be something different than the standard I was exposed to. I don’t think anything has ever evoked that many feelings in 30 min. Your words are strong and powerful.”

    — Jessica R.

  • “I’m reading the translation sitting next to my mother watching novelas. These poems immediately throw her into memories and stories of our own border crossing and work in the fields and my heart is so full.”

    — Yesenia H.

  • “I have DACA and have never heard a poem speak so beautifully about me, thank you.”

    — Sarah

  • “It’s Beautiful, I love it, my brother.”

    — Dr. Sonia Sanchez