Carmen Tafolla

“markedNever write with pencil,m’ija.It is for thosewho woulderase.Make your mark proudand open,Brave,beauty folded intoits imperfection,Like a piece of turquoisemarked.Never writewith pencil,m’ija.Write with inkor mud,or berries grown ingardens never owned,or, sometimes,if necessary,blood.”