It Is Not Persistence

Por Dahlma Llanos

Ilustración por Génesis López Cruz

They credit me with persistence.

It is not persistence but mandate.

In the early light,

when the mists of night begin to dissipate,

I look at the blank page and think of them.

I cannot bear the silences, erasures, and denials.

Ghosts of those who came before

inhabit my dreams,

the need for recognition hanging from their eyes.

Their hands held open, having given all.

They stand silent, eyes imploring…

In the morning, I fling open the windows and doors

and welcome them into the light.

I write because I cannot be silent

when there is so much left to be told

and acknowledged.

January 20, 2013, NYC