Oh, L O U D Joy.
Music lavished with culture
Instrument crowding the song
Melodía
Quick. Rápido.
Strong. FUERTE.
laughter
cheers, chatter
Fused to the rhythm of
My people
Dancing with passion
No matter the troubles battled.
Oh, Deep Affections
Rifts in mi f a m i l i a.
Fights and conversation
I don’t understand
Silent words
GRITANDO
the stickiness of barley dried tears
comforting wails of regret and apologies.
I cause lament
Anger and frustration.
A sickening smell of
alcohol
back and forth, ma then papá
Not knowing why
I cry
I Take for granted all I have
The quiet that comes after the storm.
Oh, Quiet Bliss.
A specific sweet scent
of light pink roses.
Creaky stairs, floors, and doors.
Sunlight from my mother’s window,
The e x p a n s i v e n e s s of her b e d
The orange and
magenta of a setting sun.
Long car rides
packed
From Texas
to
New York
dreaming on another’s shoulder
blissful sleep.
The cool air
glistening lights
Warm embraces abounding con amor.
Existing juntos.
Oh, Bittersweet Being.
Reflections of memories, of feelings and sensation
All I have felt
thought, done,
and seen
collection always growing.
Loud joy,
deep afflictions
quiet bliss
All I am
Todo lo que soy
Such bittersweet being.