Inside My Lungs

I found your blue and white striped dress,

lovingly folded inside a gallon Ziploc bag.

Daring to open the seal,

I quickly sniff you into the deep recess of my mind. 

Bringing me to tears

the faint smell of cumin, garlic, and onion 

reminded me of the comfort of your meals.

And I felt your soft-powerful right hand on my cheek,

the meaty cushion of your left thigh,

and the many nights you promised me 

everything will be ok.

Abuela, my feelings for you are stored in Spanish.

“Thank you" is not what I want to say,

but "gracias por todo”.

Por siempre estar aquí,

conmigo,

guiándome.

In the gift of a sky so clear I can see all its edges,

a gentle breeze may bring me back to you, and

I can breathe you in,

and hold you tight inside my lungs,

and let the love you gifted me reload my tired blood,

and I can release in a whisper,

Thank you for helping me realize I was enough.