Eneida P. Alcalde: “Urqupiña, 2002”
(in memory of Lee)
Other plans were breached
that morning
by a newborn foal thrust out
by its mother,
flushed and lubricated,
teetering on all fours—
raw new life I witnessed.
Back then
I didn’t know we could emerge
teeth bared,
squealing: Here I am,
hungry to bite,
hungry to fight. At twenty-three
post 9/11,
the yearling charged
onto the open field
hooves pounding,
forging her path
like the holy shepherdess
emerging from ash,
overturning stones,
her calloused hands
returning blessings
to the hills,
reaching for miracles.
Her lips splinter from song.
Also born on a mission,
hungry to rage
against the promise of loss
and blistering storm.
Eneida P. Alcalde (she/her/ella) is the author of The Wealth We Surrendered, forthcoming from Ethel. A Pushcart Prize-nominated writer, she draws inspiration for her writing from her migrant family and ancestors, her young daughter, and the places she has called home — from Valparaíso and Cochabamba to Washington, DC and Singapore. Learn more at www.eneidaescribe.com.
