We remember the beginning and its beginning—
The dance, birth, struggle, joy—
Remembering how the grass sparkled in morning dew,
Chipmunks pestering the birdfeed in the breeze
That remembers yesterday’s howling wind
That shook limbs and leaves of birches down
Strewn across the fields.
We remember what our mothers and fathers told us about our birth
And their times, their parents, and grandparents
How they moved across the channels and mountains
Planting seedlings in rice paddies, wading barefooted,
And I remember the ancient voice chanting
At the rhythm of thrashing golden husks.
Everything remembers—
Hands remember to dance, voices sing
Our feet remember to grip the soil
And remember to return to the guest house
With the temporary lease. We are welcome,
And greet the guests knocking on the door
To return the debt with kindness.
2023
Year of the Rabbit
yenna yi 