Carmen Leon

Carmen Leon Apr 8

Maybe I’m resting for the first time in my life.
Maybe that’s why I’m so tired.
I’ve hopped and run, hopped and run
To chase the sun
But the sun is the same wherever I go.
I pray this lily pad’s roots are long and strong
Anchored tight to the earth below the mud
Maybe this pond is where my voice finds a song

Carmen Leon Apr 2

Estudiante Brillante

She always wants to sit at the counter behind my desk.
Truthfully I don’t mind. But as the teacher, it wouldn’t be fair to let her.
Her eyes bright with knowledge and pain.
I can see her strength but she only feels her vulnerability.
She has such a spark.
I want her to find where it can be ignited.
The name we call each other - cucarachita.
Why? I have no idea.
But when I say it to her, I’m really calling her
Mi hija.

Carmen Leon Mar 19

M

Your divine masculine beauty is what caught my eye first. Then, it was your caramel skin. Your cheekbones standing high and proud on your face, like a soldier on a hill. Your nose is an architectural beauty all its own, displaying a life of both wildness and also sensitive contemplation. Your eyes give away your brightness, your cleverness, your sensuality, and your demons. Oh but you lips. Those plush pillows of perfect volume that mesmerize as you talk and render powerless when you kiss. But your smile is like the warm rays of the sun, giving energy and love to those you display it to. Your soul is your most beautiful quality. It shines more brightly than all of your parts together when you are at peace. Your spirit is irresistible and begs for nurturing and connection. All of this I felt and more. You were a fantasy made real. I am grateful to have known you. I am grateful that you let me in for a time. And I am grateful you let me keep our memories pure. A gentleman always knows when to leave, even when his lady wants him to stay. I continue to pray for you everyday.

March 2024

Carmen Leon Mar 17

Black Hole

All powerful God, rescue me from this black hole that threatens to swallow me up. The gravity of it tries its best to pull me in, yet all it wants to do is spit me out. It wants to eject me into the vast galaxy so that I feel lost, floating, untethered. So that when I pass a star, I fear getting too close lest it burns me. Before, I looked upon the radiant pulsars as sources of beauty and relief from the ocean of black. I will not be consumed. I will not be stripped of my lightness. Enveloping wings lift me, weightless, full of grace and purpose. The tips of the wings never leave me. If I only grasp one feather, it’s enough. It holds me back from the depths, while I rise above them, hovering. Though I may have to see the nothingness for a time, I am never a part of it. A golden strand saves me. I climb it one grip at a time. The higher I get, the more buoyant I become. Leaping from star to star, able to reach the light, shedding remnants of fear. They, instead of me, get absorbed into the darkness.

ADP Spring 2023

Carmen Leon Mar 14

Untitled

My heart has not been known until you, and you alone
I know it to be true deep in my soul

Your heart so pure and strong and true tells me that I am home with you
Everyday you prove your intentions by what you do

Possibly the greatest gift you give me is to love me and want me as I am
My heart dances with your melody

It seems impossible to express how much I value and love you in lines and scribbles on a page
If you could only see my heart swells every time I see your face

The question everyone wants answered is "How do I know if I'm loved?"
I now know how it feels to love with wings, our hearts abide together with warmth and trust.

Summer 2022

Carmen Leon Mar 11

The Speech of Nature

Breeze and sun and green
and happy shadows
Leaves dancing delicately
with their partners
on the wind.
The speech of nature is so clear.
So much clearer than
any human can utter.
I listen.
I feel them in my soul.
Let me speak more like you.

January 21, 2018

Carmen Leon Mar 11

Griffin Love

Oh little one
Full of so much joy
Your love of life
is contagious
Your sweet and feisty eyes
fill my soul
To feel your
tiny heartbeat
when you sit on my lap
warms my own.
Watching you
do a twirl
when you want
a treat
brings me
delight
You're small
but scrappy.
Your delicate paws
can dig
quite the hole!
The color
of your fur is
the perfect mix
of sandy and golden,
wiry and unruly
in some places
and downy soft
in others.
No matter how long
you play outside
or roll in the dirt,
you always maintain
a sweet smell.
Your nose and eyes add
an innocence with their pink,
fleshy color.
But it's not just me who adores you.
You steal the heart
of almost anyone
who meets you.
So easy to cuddle
and play with.
It's certain to see
that you were
put on this earth
to spread sunshine and joy.
And remind us
to be fearless
and enjoy life to the fullest.
I'm lucky you are in my life.

January 20, 2018