I am from Onate Chicken Feed,
From “Organic” and “Gluten Free”.
I am from library books and adobe walls and a sticky back door.
I am from the sweet green peas,
The majestic willow tree
Whose long-gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.
I’m from picnics by the river and responsibility,
From Gonzales and Mitchell.
I’m from left-out socks and board games
From lectures and forgotten chores
Whose long-gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.
I’m from “Life’s not always fair,” and “Feed the ducks before 8 o’clock,” and
“Elena, it takes two people to fight.”
I’m from Placita, New Mexico.
I’m from Anasazi beans and home-grown beef,
Eye-rolling sisters and nosy grandparents.
I’m from mi abuela Cordelia’s old cutting board
Whose long-gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.
