It is a warm summer night
I am 8 years old
My bare feet are stained
Caliche rock white
A remnant
Of hide-and-seek
I am alone
In my room
My sisters and cousins
Are playing games
In the room next to mine
My family is outside
Papa's laugh
Infectious
Through the open windows
The scent of barbecue
Permeates the air
I am still full on sopapillas
Shared with Mimi
After soccer practice
And smuggled candy
It is a warm summer night
I am 8 years old
And I am happy

©KNL