some early images and emotions
I remember
the oversized forest green recliner in my
grandparents' house in South Gate
sitting on grandma Mary's lap: she's another mom to me
my head on her shoulder she scratches my arms lightly, coaxing me to sleep
sleep has never come so easily since
playing in Titi's backyard among the trees and plants
my own little Eden
the birdfeeders all handmade
lent a folksy quality I could not describe then
the kitchen at the Buena Park house
the one with the motel behind our backyard
coming home from kindergarten
a sweet treat with grandma
warm California strawberries, sprinkled with sugar
when I think of love, that's how it tastes
strawberries with sugar