By Diana Melgar
Oh Loud Joy
Mariachi and reggaeton
The beat and rhythm they bring
Instruments, played quick and strong
Dancing with all those around
Loud laughter replacing embarrassment
Bodies turning and swinging
The cheers and yells of those sitting
Resting till the next song
Running away as pop-its hit near my feet
Birds singing proudly in the morning
Strong wind rustling leaves and hair
Dogs barking, robust and playful
The slap of a soccer ball being kicked
The flow and strength of Spanish
Words confidently spoken
Sung in music never ending
Oh Deep Afflictions
Rifts in my family
Fights and conversation I have yet to understand
Silent words screaming in my mind
the stickiness of barley dried tears
Losing a home to flames and heat
Witnessing the slow breaking of a person
Hearing their weeps and sobs
Comforting wails of regret and apologies
Being a cause of lament
Anger and frustration of wrong doings
A sickening smell of alcohol
The counterfeit of righting wrongs
Going back and forth, one parent to another
Not knowing why I cry or feel so low
Taking for granted everything I have
Oh Quiet Bliss
A very specific sweet scent of light pink roses
A red muddy color and roughness of bricks
Creaky stairs, floors, and doors
Cozy and close feel of the rooms
The smell of new and old books
Sunlight from my mother’s window
The largeness of her bed
The orange and red of a setting sun
Long car rides in a packed car
From Texas to New York
Resting heads on another’s shoulder
Quiet nights of blissful sleep
Beauty proudly beaming at night
The cool air and the shining lights
Warm embraces overflowing with love
Quiet laughter following uncontrolled howling
Oh Bittersweet Being
Reflections of memories, of feelings, and sensation
All I have felt, thought, done, and seen
A collection always growing in my mind
Loud joy, deep afflictions, quiet bliss
All I am
Such bittersweet being