“Next station: Forty-Second Street–Times Square,” a voice announced over the subway’s loudspeaker. That is probably my last auditory memory before I entered a complete state of awe. Or, as Billy Joel would say, a New York state of mind. Almost carried away by a crowd of people, I got off the train, and I already …
Tag: Brazil
The Power of Fear
I used to live in a city on the river shore. The amazing Amazon Rainforest stood on the other shore with its lush greenery, just as Manhattan stands with its skyline to New Jersey residents. An outrigger-canoe club had just arrived in town and I was excited by the idea of paddling to the forest, …
My Grandfather
I remember my grandfather’s wrinkled, rough hands as he
held mine.
I remember his big hug protecting me.
I remember my feeling inside this hug, his face fresh with mint
from his aftershave.
Lady Liberty’s Delusion
I am American,
Yet I was born and raised in France.
I came from overseas.
I traveled back and forth many times
Until I was complete.
A long journey.
One Day on the NYC Subway
In 2019, I studied in an Intensive English class on Riverside Drive at 89th Street. After class, my friend Awetash and I spent our free time exploring the city. We used the subway to go everywhere, and it was an adventure. One day, we went to the Brooklyn Bridge, taking the express train downtown. It was summer, and the subway was hot and full.
The Chair
I used to work in a medical clinic with two floors, and because of the equipment, there were a few compressed gas cylinders. One day, we were working when a noise started (it sounded like a whistle), and someone shouted, “It’s the gas; the clinic is going to explode!”
The Day Is Almost Gone
When it appears that we are already on the trail that will eventually get to the farm, I open the car window, disregarding the flies that will enter the vehicle. I want to smell the green of the plants that only exist there, the smell of cow curd, the aroma of the rocks that appear …
Granny Santa
There is a funny story behind my grandmother’s name. Her real name is Izolina, but everyone calls her “Santa” or “Santinha,” which in English mean “saint” and “little saint,” respectively. Her mother and her grandmothers couldn’t agree in choosing the name. As a way to avoid disappointming two of the women, my great-grandfather told the …
I Am a Frog
When I was 10 years old, my family went to live in a neighborhood called Vilanova, in Avaré, a small city located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It was a very hard time for my parents because of financial problems. However, for me and my brothers, Bill and Kina, it was an unforgettably …
We, Called Immigrants
the planet is called earth/ today I live in it/ there was no owner/ who said we are men/ women or humans/ arrogant or not/ I decided to be/ I am a Citizen of the World