Resurrection Sunday

     Gabrielle Aboki

 

Pastel pinks assaulted the air,

soles pounded against pavement.

From the park, the POP! POP! POP!

ended our after-church egg hunt, sang

a different kind of Easter hymn.

 

We wrapped around the bricked two bedroom

straddling the corner of Hill Street

cousins competing in an unexpected race

chased after our breath as bullet sought body

gunning for anyone it can find

to hollow out a space for rest

 

Kinfolk packed inside Auntie’s house.

Heart beats knocked so loud in our ears

only the wood paneled walls contained them.

The youngest of us gurgles,

blank brown eyes oblivious,

fingers raised toward anyone willing to reach back.

 

Now during homecomings,

Auntie and I perch on the chain linked furniture,

wonder of shooters with metal nestled in their palms,

listen to the song of a distant ambulance,

wave as neighbors stroll from the corner store

beer cans swinging at their side --

permanent extensions of their hands.