byLee Francis
- Will I remember
your soapbox and epistles
blueberry pie and chili
driving to California
and early mornings on the beachWill I remember
your coal-black eyes and delicate hands
fresh baked bread and sweet juicy peaches
Madama Butterfly and Turandot
Sambas, fox-trots, and of course, the waltzWill I remember
your stubborn determination and finagling
occasional picnics and afternoon tea
oak china cabinet and shattered glass
ink stained rug and your Indian nameWill I remember
your Great Books and Great Ideas
wed-NESS-day and Feb-RUE-airy
Ceremonies of State and Inaugural Balls
Un Bel Di and Patsy ClineWill I remember
your powwow dancing and making beds
crossword puzzles and Jeopardy
collecting sea shells and burning sand
cleaning beans and the morning sunWill I remember
your sleepless nights and long conversations
colorful jokes and heart-felt laughter
blood-red roses and sea gulls swooping
dark chocolate cake and foul tasting mangosWill I remember
your love of art and beautiful music
playing the piano and singing corridos
gasping for air and tripping on your shadow
chocolate milkshakes and M.R.I.'sWill I remember
to hide my fear and bite my tongue
be as good as and not better than
look in the mirror and be true to myself
cry in the dark behind closed doors
Nyah is the Keres (Laguna Pueblo) word for mother/grandmother.
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