"FACINGFACES 2002 - 04" SELECTED POETRY

THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND

Yellow is for caution
the dead dried rose on your empty coffin said
or, rather – meant.

Your yellow handkerchief with the rainbow embroidered
edge is dirty now. Forever left behind.
Husband, children, family, will not wash
this memory of you.
It’s all they have the last hold
you held onto

before you and over 300 women in
Cuidad Juárez disappeared into
a fury of serial sexual femicide.

Red is for life
the vibrant red rose held by your daughter said
or, rather – meant.

Women all over the world gather rose petals
for your little daughter, Martita.
Wild rose petals -- pink, yellow and red.
We make perfumed, soft water and
scent our handkerchiefs, let them blow in the wind.

Our square colored cloths carry a message
to those who consumed and disposed of
you, Rosa, and the other women:

Yellow, caution. All blood dries red.

Rose Konda
USA
copyright 2002