Beginning

I am from a mother who always gives 
and a father who never quits. I am from grandparents 
as rooted in New Mexico as the mountains and valleys.
I am from the state of red and yellow, 
having suffered the serious soldiers 
of Spain. I am from the tribes of strength and craft, 
dignity and pride.  I am breathing quietly in the corner of the room.
I am trying to be invisible.
I am speaking softly at the party,
I am repeating myself because no one can hear me.
I am screaming on this page, praying to be heard. 

Aaron Rudolph is the author of the poetry collections Sacred Things (Bridge Burner’s, 2002) and The Sombrero Galaxy (Strawberry Hedgehog, 2017). He attended graduate school for creative writing at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Texas Tech University. He teaches literature and writing at the Early College of Arvada in Colorado.