We are the first
of our people to walk this path.
We move cautiously,
unfamiliar with the sounds,
guides for those who follow.
Our people prepared us
with gifts from the land,
fire, herbs and song.
Yerbabuena soothes us into morning,
rhythms hum in our blood,
abrazos linger round our bodies,
cuentos whisper lessons en español.
We do not travel alone.
Our people burn deep within us.
Pat Mora