The Land of Coqui

I come from the land of the Coqui, the place that helped mold the person that is me.

I come from Borinquen Bella, where he is el and she is ella.

The beauty of its green mountains, a sight to behold.

I remember sitting next to my Mama, listening intently to the stories that she told.

I come from the land of the Coqui where the Jibarito dances his dance with pride, with his lady by his side.

I come from the land of the Coqui, where the turqouise beaches merges into the glistening sea.

I come from the land of the Coqui.

Sadly, my Mama is no longer there waiting for me.

I come from the land of the Coqui where the Palm Trees grow and sway as they dance with the gentle breezes.

With pride.

I say Puerto Rico, the island where I was born.

Puerto Rico, you are in my heart and you will always be here deep inside.

Maria R.

Untitled

Halim, Abdul, Yusuf, Ahmed.

It is not important. Any name will do. You know Yusuf, Halim. Ahmed, Abdul as the fanatical suicide bomber. One of many devoted to bringing the truth to you.

The infidels.

You, who ignored the the reality of what a glorious sacrifice it is to give one’s life for god. To be blessed by his radiance and dwell forever in paradise in a garden blooming with ecstatic delights. Virgins beyond any beauty imagined. Flowers, nurtured purity touched only by the holy hand of creation.

Persecution and oppression from the cross and star of David lovers fueled our zeal to
bring you, the unbelievers to the truth.

I began to prepare for this when I was nine years old. Learning all I could about you, the demonic persecutor of oppression, slaughterers spewing injustice among those who had no strength, power or money to speak for themselves.

The great ones who declare and hold all truth and equality see that the evil wizards keep their devilish charms working.

Liars all!

Pretenders of the pursuit happiness for humanity.


But I could not allow you, the infidels to succeed and I did what I thought I must -

no matter the outcome.

An outcome far better than remaining on this wretched earth and suffering under your cruel domination.

So I gave my heart, mind, body and soul to the truth.


After I exploded, I found myself in a large circle divided into two parts, one; very small and the other tremendous reaching far back and beyond into the distance.

I am in the small circle. Closed in by people with melted faces, all their features coming together except for their eyes. Their eyes and my eyes shine like clear crystal. And we are fused
one to another exerting great energy trying to pull away from each other.

The massive part of the circle has people smiling, dancing, singing, bowing, and peals of laughter coming from a radiant golden light.


Why am I here?

L.C.B.

April 26, 2019

MAMA

If I had known how much pain losing you would cause me, would I have loved you any less? No, that was not possible since my love for you began before I drew my first breath. You were my dwelling and provided for all my needs before I ever knew what they were.


Your voice, so sultry, vibrated in delicious harmony. Its kindling quality and lulling tempo must have been so soothing. I was cloaked in satiny silk and the mere rhythm of your breath wooed me. I emerged cleaving to you and searching for your breast. You nursed me joyfully and wondrously. Then in the fullness of time, I did gratefully and mournfully nurse you too.

Yvonne A.

May 2019

"Falling" (Excerpt)

          His eyes were both empty and cold as he stared at me. My jacket was rumpled from his clutching hand as he held me pressed against the tree. He was adamant that he knew me, though I’d never even seen him before this night.

         I gave up trying to convince him that he was mistaken. I couldn’t be the person he thought I was. We’d never even met. There was a heavy silence as something changed in his eyes. There was certainty coupled with a steely resolve.

        As the leaves in the surrounding trees broke the silence with their whispers of secrets long passed, an icy fear spread through me. It was then that I realized I wouldn’t be able to change his mind. I only saw the knife as the moonlight glinted off its blade. He’d brought it up so fast.

       As he held onto my jacket, pressing my back even harder against the tree, I barely registered the pain from the rough edges of bark. My entire world had become the knife he held in his other hand. And as he pressed the tip lightly against my throat, my last thought before I closed my eyes was that I was going to die and I didn’t even know why.

Jessica S.

May 2019

JAZZY

COUNTLESS TWILIGHT

          It used to be, people would agree, that the undesirables, the roaches, the mice, and all the rats would come out after twilight.
          All the heinous crimes were committed in the hours after nightfall.
          That was then and this is now.
          Stabbings, shootings, rapes and abductions do not respect the boundary lines between twilight and daybreak. Innocents become victims on the 8 am trains, buying lunch at bodegas, sipping drinks at the 5-7 pm happy hours, walking home at 2 am after the graveyard shift.

        
          Detective, you say you are making swift and great progress. Do you mean in bringing my loved one back?

          How many twilight's must I count over these skyscrapers?

Ellen G.

April 2019

Sweet Prelude

As the Dogwoods, Magnolias, Tulips and Hyacinths burst to proclaim the arrival of Spring, displaced polka dots in shades of pink land like confetti under branches where winged mommies may choose to raise hatchlings.  Their clear, crisp symphony cheers or jeers the unclogged ears.  It’s the annual renaissance blooming and booming abundantly with new life.  Alas so brief this kaleidoscope!  A mere wisp of time but utterly sublime.  The moment the long-awaited lilacs in bloom exude their divine perfume, this prelude to Summer is already poised to conclude.

Men, women and children emerge to promenade provoked by fairer skies and warm, gentle winds.  Once again sidewalks teem with life.  The trickle of traipsing feet on tree-lines streets belong to many who seem unfazed by the beauty unfolding around them.  Behold the wonders of the world!  Harken to pure melodies dripping like sap from maples and oaks folks!  Don’t just walk single file and miss the mark of enjoying this.

Yvonne A.

Apr 2019