Agadir, Morocco
My family
says
it was an
angel
who helped
me
lift you
over the
high walls
of the
cradle.
I remember
only the haze
of the
approach
to put you
back
in the arms
of our
mother.
She had the
strength.
I was a
child,
too scared
for
kindergarten,
or anything
outside
the sun
of our
garden.
Teachers
had us
draw maps
to remind
us
of nearness
to our
beloved,
arrows and
smiles
pasted
on the
roads
and
crossings.
I brought
you
forward, my
shield
from
questions.
You brought
me
forward,
a maker of
maps
for
somewhere safe,
above the angels.