Grandma J.

My fondest memory was that of that old willow
alongside the dirt-drive way and shed on the north side of our house.
As a young girl I had once attempted to climb that tree
and fell, tearing my already well-worn overalls.
but I, after falling, sprang up once again for another try,
just as father had said to do.
I reached up feeling the ruffled bark,
and grasped the first branch with all my strength,
pulling myself toward the crystal sky.
Having had success at the first, I stretched for the second and third,
with my eyes closed, until I bumped into something thin and cold.
I opened my eyes and beheld the view;
The most unforgettable view that any living person has ever seen.
Today, even now, I look down upon the vivid visions of my youth with an amorous gaze.
Upon the tiny car,
Upon the acres of erupting corn,
Upon the once glossy fence Erma and I sat on,
Even upon the little girl grasping at hope as she gets up for one more try to reach the
heavens of a new day.

Adam Salazar