LZ by Peno Hardesty

come nina

close your eyes
the ocean is before you
there the beautiful fruit trees
hear the click clack on the cobblestone streets of old san juan
abuela cooks the rice
the dogs bark
the goat needs milking
music from the cafe
checkers
poems
stories
family
feel nina
feel the breeze as it tickles your nose
it is the island
you are of the island
the island is in you
in your blood
in your dna
breathe nina
breathe
breathe for those who struggle
you are
the future
the hope
you are the life
you are
the healer

old ma p loves you baby lz