Ana Gabriela Castillo

I can feel the tickle in my nose from

the sweet smell of sea salt.

If I close my eyes, I can feel the sand.

It hugs my feet and begs me to come home.

Jade green and cerulean blue blend harmoniously;

Its beauty enrapturing.

Golden rays dance across my skin

And leave marks that will fade with time.

But I open my eyes and am faced with reality.

No longer can I hear the ocean’s song

I look at my younger self

Standing, smiling

In the sweet Tropico.

I wonder if I ever thought I’d be daydreaming of home.