GLASS CASTLE FAMILY Natalie Hernandez 10th Grade • Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
First, you must know, I grew up beneath a cherry tree Within painted white wire fences and bushes of pink flowers I grew up wearing Mexico’s national team soccer jerseys, A patch of an eagle right above my heart, And splashing my siblings in the salty waters of Huescalapa, Mexico, My aunt and uncle laughing as they watch us. I grew up chasing stray cats And playing with blonde, blue-eyed Barbies beside my younger cousin I grew up with the taste of frijole ingrained on my tongue. A video recorder in my father’s hand as he spoke into it, Patient as I climbed his back, whining for him to put on Barney. Each of these moments speak volumes, for me They speak memories and hours and people and on top of all of that, love. Perfection doesn’t exist.
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