La luz brilliante presents itself
as a thousand dizzying beams.
Unwrapping from my abdomen
my tiny universe wails with existence.
Figuras familiares stick to my eyelids
praising and welcoming my soul in repose.
How lovely to meet you uncle
our grand guardian.
Opa’s reassuring grin
reminds me of the choice.
Stewart blood recalls that
courage grows
strong at these wounds.
I must stay.
The smiles fleeting
replaced by shuddering limbs
and cavernous cold.
This battle whipping
my spirit and testing all that I am.
Recognizable rhythm
swiftly mimics my own.
Grounding warmth envelops
my weary body and
loosens the pull of darkness.
Purpose has never had more meaning.
You are my forever home.
You are my perpetual light.
-Kathryn Rose Amaro
