By Jo Reyes-Boitel
for Delhi
a lot of our history is gone, let’s be honest –
when your family has been in four countries in three generations
the nonessential is quickly cast off
and for those remaining who carry our names
some are too strong willed to allow love
while others correct this by loving too much
we have our small failures:
the mismatched ears,
lion’s hair, thick and unruly,
horse teeth behind big lips,
feet with more problems than can be mentioned here
our diets vary dependent on country and access:
but not matter what the outcome
we won’t be changing our food
until we decide
we are strong to the last
defying even doctors’ prognoses
but problems can arise at the body’s meridians
our breasts with a mind of their own
our shoulders cramp as we lean into conversation
hips and thighs shake even when we are still
our mind always resonating some desire
our hearts beat despite blockages
the rhythm of our lost homes generated within
the solid, good wood of its muscle
without asking for lucidity
our brains continue to plan the next day,
even if it means moving ideas around the damage
to tear down in search of the summoning beat of long ago,
our body practiced in holding high expectations
we walk
the value of our journey goading us
the need to continue rooted in spirit
there are fewer of us now
so it’s more important than ever
remember for me
for yourself
for those who follow
Jo Reyes-Boitel : writer, motivator/supporter, mother, daughter to oya and obatala, rabid music listener, percussionist and lover. texas transplant, by way of minnesota | florida | mexico | cuba.
