My Heart's Song: A Poem of Guatemala

My heart looks down through the clouds

And sings my love for these people.

Step by step my heart grows lighter

As the sun touches my skin

And the dry wind brushes by

Tickling my nose and eyes with dust.

Each smile I see, each worn but hopeful face

Makes my heart sing louder.

I inhale the beloved smell,

Taste the colorful culture on my tongue

Sampling each and every glance.

Each time a little hand touches me

Or a skinny, tanned arm goes around my waist

My heart leaps and dances with joy in the midst of its song.

Though the song continues loudly

At times it is mixed with tears

When my heart is squeezed too tightly.

But then as the farewell approaches

My heart pulses in pain and sinks,

Down to the depths of my stomach, poisoning it.

But still, it sings the song of home.

Every day away, amidst the painful drone

Of untouchable life

Still my heart sings this song

No matter how deeply it has to hibernate

Or how quietly it must be sung,

It does not die.