Milagros

We don't hang snakes from our fence anymore -
An invitation to hard rains for the crops

We don't hang metal on our bellies -
Full moons threaten cleft lips

We don't put glasses of water under our beds -
Keep the espiritos away and out of our dreams

We don't rub eggs on our bodies anymore -
Sweep the ill spirits from our bodies

We don't touch babies on their limbs -
Transfer of spirits so that we don't give them ojo

We don't heat up olive oil for the bottom of our feet -
 Keep out the resfrio from our skin

We don't pray like we used to
 What do we believe in now?


Day 13 of the 30 Day Poetry Challenge for National Poetry Month is to write a poem that a child would like.  I deviated from that prompt and instead wrote about childhood memories.  These are memories that I miss and that I do not experience anymore.  These are traditions that I wished we kept alive.