I had just about forgotten this poem entirely…it was one of my favorites in college. I had to recite it for a speech class on the same night as my sorority formal. I remember running into the room wearing this gorgeous floor-length light pink gown with crystals in my hair, reciting it perfectly, then running back out to my date who was waiting in the car. I got an A for my performance and the cutest guy in class asked me to go to a movie with him the next day. Later that night he said, “I’m not kidding, I think I fell in love with you watching you recite that poem.” It’s that good. :)
To the Desert, by Benjamin Alire Saenz
I came to you one rainless August night.
You taught me how to live without the rain.
You are thirst and thirst is all I know.
You are sand, wind, sun, and burning sky,
The hottest blue.
You blow a breeze and brand Your breath into my mouth.
You reach—then bend Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
You wrap your name tight around my ribs
And keep me warm.
I was born for you.
Above, below, by you, by you surrounded. I wake to you at dawn.
Never break your Knot.
Reach, rise, blow, Sálvame, mi dios, Trágame, mi tierra. Salva, traga,
Break me, I am bread.
I will be the water for your thirst.
