By Michael De Rosa
Origins
Dominga Mama to all generations Born Spanish died American Forever Puertoriqueña. Seven daughters and one son survived From El Morro's heights Dominga watched America guns blazing Come calling in great white ships Seven sisters followed in their wake To sew America's clothes Modesta Mami 1941 Mami's turn Seasick all way to the Promised Land Left behind another life A daughter dead at two Italy 1905 Papi's turn The first of four Michaels New York rooming house Lifelines cross merge Two become three then four Firstborn I have my mother's raucous laugh My father's grin But not his cleft chin Sister Nancy Mother's ageless skin and innate caution First friend and oldest friend
The Ring
More than five decades Separated the young couple At their table from ours But close enough That I could see Her new engagement ring Catch the dim light of the restaurant Watched as under the table She moved her ring Along her finger As if testing its feel The wonder of it all Above the table She held out her hand Gazed beamed at the newness of it all They laughed Held hands As they slowly ate He took photos Of every dish Her left hand close by Each image not only A record of their meal But a reminder Of their new life to come As we left We congratulated them She hoped that When they were our age They would still be In as much love as we Not knowing that our love Was as young as theirs
My King
I will Forever miss you My King Seven Words White column Scrawled black marker Graffiti Short story For all to read Anguish Longing Confession of love An epitaph From a woman A Queen
Our Memories
I watch as you play Run Explore your world You are living my memories Our memories Linked by decades Of being Us We Mine are faded Fragmented Gone Write them down Take pictures of friends Those kept And those lost But not forgotten Save Our World In words And black and white images
Michael De Rosa is a writer from Wallingford, PA, who retired as a professor (emeritus) of chemistry at Penn State Brandywine. Interests are travel, photography, and birding. The writer has published poetry in Ariel Chart, Trouvaille Review, and Academy of the Heart And Mind.
Academy of the Heart And Mind 