Sticky Fingers
A poem of childhood nostalgia
“Our Father who art in Heaven”
our family recited on the drive to 7-Eleven.
As I age, the distance of time wrought my memory,
but how could I forget.
*
The choir singing.
Sticky fingers as we push on the stained glass door.
Deep blue silhouette of Jesus praying
as the ribbons of sunlight peak through
the cracks and onto the floor.
*
Looking up at my father,
as his voice hugged the words
“As the deer pantenth for the waters”
*
Inklings of the language I knew how to read,
were music note symbols;
and my sticky fingers turning the pages
of the faded pink hymnals.
*
Words glided off the pulpit to the hearts of the raw,
Holy Spirit with a southern drawl.
*
The sounds of laughter even my own!
When church let out
playing tag up and down the stairs of the altar,
and climbing the rock wall of stone.
*
The nostalgic aroma of this moment re-introduced itself back into my mind,
flipping on the switch that had been turned off for quite some time.
*
Frosting on our cheeks, and matching laced dresses,
was a repeated Sunday ritual,
and memories of my mothers kisses.
*
In the room with all the animals painted on the walls,
was the highlight of my childhood, where kids my age would learn about Heaven,
and the cheese danish I took to class,
every Sunday, from 7-Eleven.
About the Creator
Natasha Collazo
Selected Writer in Residency, Champagne France ---2026
The Diary of an emo Latina OUT NOW
https://a.co/d/0jYT7RR
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Poetry Workshop
Previously, I published my first ever exclusive story on Vocal. If you’ve subscribed to my work, then you have access to it. Thank YOU for your support. I hope to make each read worth your while. So with that, I’ll be posting insights for exclusive readers only, such as a workshop on my craft. The hows and who’s of my stories. Pretty much revealing my secrets on how I write with you. So welcome fam, and let’s get started!
By Natasha CollazoExclusive • about a year ago
Should We Not Try to Get Too Political?
Here's something you often hear people say, "I try not to get too political." I understand the sentiment and I sympathize with it... while at the same exact time, I completely disagree with the notion. Whether it's referring to social media or wherever, it's kind of unavoidable. You can attempt to sidestep it, not engage, leave the less important things for actual politicians to discuss... you can want it to not take over your life, your conversations, your relationships, and that makes perfect sense.
By Stephen Kramer Avitabilea day ago in Writers
Comments (6)
Wonderful memories, tinged with such fondness & tender love.
Ah no wonder your fingers were sticky hehehehehe. Mmmm, cheese danish! Your poem was so delicious and nostalgic!
A mess of stickiness in a poem that is so smooth and nostalgic! Loved reading all the particulars of Sunday morning memories!
You took me on a little journey. There is a lot to love about this one. Good job!
Loved this!!! Seeing the picture evoked some old memories for me, too. And your poem was just as delicious as the cheese Danish.
Oh love this walk down memory lane. Was beautifull expressed with a lot of fun and joy and gave a real insight into moments from your childhood. Stylistically..I loved that the reveal of the cause for the sticky fingers came right at the end! Wonderful work, Natasha!