I Remember…

I Remember… 

I remember running barefoot

in the summertime

the hot concrete

the hard packed dirt

the small patches of warm grass

burning beneath

that little ‘Burquena’s feet

it gave me life

like feeling the earth alive

breathing

calling you by your name

it was like knowing you were born from the sun

raised by the clear blue sky

the Sandias watching over your shoulder

like your Gramma’s all-knowing eyes

it didn’t matter that the souls of little girl feet

became dirty and tough

because that was who I was

I remember

wearing out the knees of my jeans

a little bit too wild

like daring the wind to catch me

couldn’t sit still

like there was a dance buried in me

keeping my legs and arms

in constant movement

often in trouble

a little too rough

but always laughing

my mama hated my wholly jeans and dirty feet

my hair

untamed

never wanted to stay in the chongito

my sister braided down my back

I remember the child I once was

and I miss her

now woman full grown

high heels

ironed dresses

hair slicked up into a ballerina bun

far from home

years have grown into my bones

but I still remember

I remember that little ‘Burquena

and on some summer days

when the sun calls my name

I take off my shoes

let down my hair

pull up my skirt just enough to show

the faded scars of scrapped knees

                        and run

 ~SVT