My Memories Of Dominican Republic Poem by Natalie Sapphire

Dominican

I travelled to the Dominican Republic one year ago today
It was only a week but by far the best week of my life
I learned not to take life for granted
Or food or clean water or toys
I learned that family and community are first
To live carefree and not let the little things bother you
To be gracious and thank God for life and for everything
Abi, mi hermano, i miss the way you made jokes and i miss your protective nature
Francisco, i miss your natural leadership and carefree attitude
Alex, i miss how much you cared, and your 'Questions? Comments? Concerns? '
Junior, i miss your smile and your cute struggle to speak in English!
Omar, i miss your teasing and the nicknames you made for me
Leo, i miss dancing with you, and you making me laugh, and making you pick up cards in Uno
Jamila, i miss your motherly nature and your contagious smile
Emily, i miss your laughter and your hospitality in letting us share your room!
Elisabeth, i miss your translating for us and gossiping with you: p
Daniela, i miss trying to relate to each others' lives and schools
All the little kids i played with, especially Camila, Mikael, and the girl i played hopscotch with, i miss your willingness to welcome a complete stranger into your games!
DR, i miss your coconuts and mangos and
plantain chips and
beaches and heat and love. I miss you in entirety.