I remember the smell of bar-b-que

In the fresh morning air as I waited

With my family anxiously for others

And my hands feeling clammy as

I ran my DNA through the summer grass

That somehow felt cooler than me.

I remember thinking about what

I would say to these total strangers

Or planning to run away because of

The kid inside if me

I remember hearing kids play in the

Playground as it brought back my

Childhood memories

And then they finally came in groups of three

With their guardians as I walked out to help

They clinged to a hug instead

I remember that feeling of relief that

I got through the first test when inside

I was screaming with terror out of my

Comfort zone

And as we walked towards the picnic

Area I let the moment sink into my veins

As my heart pumped wildly as we were holding

Hands

And I had to remember that we were blood

As we were getting ready to fellowship

I remember sitting on the grass watching

My two little sisters color as I looked

At the similarities in all are faces

Eating my bar-b-que chicken with rice,

Beans, cheese, covered with smoky salsa,

And wrapped in a fluffy tortilla

And feeling the chill of the sweet

And sour beverage in my cheeks, down

My throat than down my spine

I remember smiling at the fact

That I was okay with this, that I wasn’t

Alone anymore, I felt somewhat complete

Inside knowing that they loved me and

Never forget about me when I did.