One Last Time

By Shailiz N. Velázquez Torres

One day I had to leave.

I placed my heart and my tears inside the suitcase

with my laborious hands that had worked day and night,

to sustain my most valuable treasures,

the same way that my ancestors once did.

 

I looked at the wrinkled eyes,

that I had seen grow old, for one last time.

I knew that from here, there was no coming back,

But my illusions made me believe, hope,

that there would be another one last time.

 

As I stood in front of the craft that would cross me overseas,

I remained still, savoring every slight detail I had not appreciated, until now.

I listened with awe, to the tongue that I would hear, for one last time.

I felt the breeze and heat entering my skin, for one last time.

 

I stared at the ocean, while wiping away my tears,

At the thought that I might never see this land again.

Now, in my last breaths,

I understand the truth with sorrow,

About the Poet

Shailiz Nicole Velázquez Torres was born in Moca, Puerto Rico on February 9th,2005 and raised in Rincón. A stunning and artistical beach town with delightful natural resources. Rincon is known as the town of the most beautiful sunsets of the island.  Her interests are photography, capturing the charming landscapes and researching fascinating historical facts. Shailiz also enjoys reading books as well as writing. Her inspiration to write this poem, came from a social issue that has been affecting her motherland through decades. Friends and family members must leave behind the lives they know and their loved ones due to different life circumstances. In search of a better life and sometimes never get the opportunity to return to their beloved island.