Vincensa

by Astrid Bender

Child of forest and river

How often I think of you!

We drifted along like two leaves in a stream

on the shores of the great Amazon.

Vicensa! Other girls called to you. Look at the ship!

You ran to the beach, your long tresses flying in the wind.

Our eyes met and we spoke,

but our words came not from the same tongue.

Child of grass hut and sunshine,

You pointed to the comb in my silver hair.

Annoyed by your begging,

I shook my head and went toward the village.

I was astounded that you followed me.

You took my hand and we walked a while.

Again you stared at what your heart desired.

Please, your eyes pleaded.

Your young face was wreathed in a smile,

And your hand opened.

I placed the comb in it and watched you run off

to share the news of your treasure.

After graduating with a B.A. in languages and anthropology, Astrid Bender traveled extensively through Pueblo and Navajo country of the Southwest as well as Mexico and South America. She brings to her writing a vast knowledge of native customs and beliefs. She has written a number of short stories and poetry and finished her first novel "Voices from the Canyon" as well as the independent sequel "Mixta".