Lacey Hudspeth
THE CUBAN

arms ache
paddling
away
from home.
deep blue
water
currents
us further
to freedom.

coast guard light flashing
on eyes of
determination …
not wanting
to capture
immigrant benign — tortured ambivalence
my black pupils augment
for sand.
dive.

salt rushes
esophagus.
stroke
swim
breath
clothes drag:
magnets to body
boat engine exhales
on my ear …

blowing
me along …
heart beat
hands cling sand
eyes cry
millions
of little
pieces.