After the Bombing | Eneida P. Alcalde
Because our fathers mixed cocktails
and lit these in protest
while their friends bled dying
or tortured after the coup.
Because our fathers fled to escape
the abuse of citizens inflicted in
the name of order. Because our fathers learned
missing often means forever gone and no
votes are often erased. Because our fathers
despised the glare of European skin.
Because our fathers sought peace and equality and
risked their precious lives. Because our fathers
carried loaded guns when they picked us up from school.
Because our fathers knew we had to leave and
left everything behind. Because our fathers
learned English while scrubbing toilets and stripping chickens.
Because our fathers steered tractors over millions of miles to
fill our mouths. Because our fathers
mastered blue-collar schedules
and introduced us to Chomsky, Malcolm, and Wounded Knee.
Because our fathers hooked their backs to give us
healthcare and safer lives.
Because our fathers died, slipping into
specters of who they were. Because we are their
children, we know the first step is to
remember.
About the Author:
Eneida Alcalde’s poems have recently appeared or are forthcoming in literary outlets such as Pirene’s Fountain, The McNeese Review, Zone 3 Literary Journal, and Huizache. A Macondista, she graduated with an MA in Creative Writing & Literature from Harvard University’s Extension School. Eneida’s poetry draws inspiration from her young daughter as well as her Chilean-Puerto Rican roots and the places she has called home. Learn more at www.eneidaescribe.com.