December

Thinking all afternoon of Gloria Anzaldúa then indigo snake lifted a gorgeous head
a field and river from México.
All week before: Dickinson: “To Ache is human – not polite –”
All twilight: indio snake, javelinas, rabbit, cloudy emerald water, the sound of
frogs. The acrylic smell of carrizo. Deepish sleep and a woman we both knew
emerging peacefully from the lake. Coyote caca and light green moss on the dirt
path to the rio. Spiders making small canopies between leaves. Fire ants and
mulberries and snail shells. Mexican bluewings and lots of oxygen.

Emmy Pérez
December was previously published in Achiote Seeds, Spring 2008.