by Christina Paradis

Because calculus is a rigorous excercise,
          chasing numbers across the sweeping
          curve of a graph;

Because the eucalyptus groves smell
         like the stolen breath of trees,
         (were I a certain type of cat);

Because the enchiladas at lunch were filled
          with wild mushrooms, blue corn and chipotles,

          and served with bright red hibiscus tea,
                   chips with three salsas and mole;


I said:

"I don't think anytime soon, Gram"

but my voice cracked
with an audible, ancestral guilt

what hypothetical baby wouldn't trade
all of golden California
for everyday grandmothers, great-grandmothers and aunties?

I wear my new life
like a shepherd wears wool
fully aware of its cost.
                

To solicit additional work from this author please contact Christina Paradis directly

Art by Rene Magritte