Refuse to be numb

Of course I did. I went numb for a while. Now it's time to re-center.

This morning I set about noticing and feeling grateful

for ceiling fans in winter
windows
dry hydrangea blossoms in November
small bird eating the last purple berries on the Beauty Berry bush
the curling, Bentwood rocking chair
Dali's minimally inked black bull
the memory of poet Martín Espada trembling, as he recited "Alabanza: In Praise of Local 100"
cats in all shapes and hairstyles
coffee—fresh beans or Nespresso
the Microwave to keep it hot
the sour squirt of lemons
pillboxes with the letter of the week
cooks who love to feed others
fat dancers
all dancers
drummers who must drum
choir singers
French baguettes
snug socks
a husband who makes me laugh,
again and again

Thank you dear reader for being a vital part of Breathing in Spanish. For reading silently or actively engaging with the stories and with each other. It means so much to me. I hope I bring you a deepening awareness of the diversity of us as a nation, a commitment to paying attention, and—when necessary—to demand what is right.

I am deeply grateful to you, my companions on this short, amazing journey on Earth.

Coming soon! A conversation with Karen Rigby, American poet, born and raised in Panama. Her second book of poetry Fabulosa was just published. I'm looking forward to getting to know Karen and introducing her to you.

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