Member Poem

I was in your arms, Natalia.
You sang a song about a girl,
With long lashes covering her cheeks.
An old woman. Natalia

I cried on your shoulders.
Your hands were on my cheeks.
So wrinkled. So rough. So warm and loving.

You made me strong, Natalia.
Taught me I need nothing else,
When God was in my heart.

I fought hard, Natalia.
I made them frown. Made them angry.
Accepted no limits, went my own way.
Like you taught me.

You are sleeping now, Natalia.
With my hands on your cheeks,
I’m letting you go.
Coming back for one more kiss.
Your face, so old. So soft. So white.

Natalia. A name carved in stone.
A shelter, gone. The door open, but nobody's home.

I'm broken, Natalia.
I'm so weak without you, so small.
I need your arms, Natalia.
I can't stand on my own.

You are in my arms, Natalia.
Small and soft, almond-eyed Natalia.
Long lashes covering your cheeks.
So precious, Natalia.

My hands on your cheeks, Natalia.
Looking into your eyes, so bright.
A piece of me grown back.