As if from Nowhere by Sergio Ortiz

[Poem and painting by Sergio Ortiz]

 

Miguel Angel’s memories haunt him

like a baggage car that does not quite fit.

But let’s talk about his voice,

 

somewhat faded by the years,

as if words were spying on him.

As if there were no throat

only the spoils of a race war

 

hidden somewhere in the towers

of New York City.

He talks about his mother

who is in her 90’s and lives

on the beaches of Rincon.

Talks about the wife

and grandchild he’s left behind.

 

Suddenly, death is him

and this is the ferry’s last stop.

Miguel Angel from nowhere

 

the world becomes numerous,

but the cold keeps its stories.