The poem begins with Elena's mother telling her that she must "forget Spanish". This foreshadows the theme of assimilation that runs throughout the poem. Elena's mother wants her to forget her Mexican heritage so that she can better fit into American society. However, Elena struggles to do this. She feels a strong connection to her Mexican culture, and she is hesitant to let it go.
As the poem progresses, Elena experiences various forms of discrimination and prejudice. She is called names, made fun of, and even physically attacked. These experiences make her feel like she does not belong in America. She begins to question her own identity and wonders if she will ever be accepted for who she is.
Despite the challenges she faces, Elena remains proud of her Mexican heritage. She refuses to let anyone take away her sense of identity. She learns to embrace her culture and to stand up for herself. In the end, Elena finds strength in her diversity. She realises that she is not just Mexican or American, but a combination of both. She is a unique individual who has something valuable to offer the world.
"Elena" is a powerful poem about the challenges of assimilation and the importance of maintaining one's cultural identity. It is a story of hope and inspiration for all who feel like they do not belong.