Book of Amelia I

Amelia, born

to be a brave leader of

a greater union.

Born and raised in the Salt Lakes

to two working-class parents.

Tom was Jude’s patient,

insufferable, but kind.

Jude was a blessing.

She saved the life of a man

who then fell in love with her.

Father worked the rails,

married a Haitian doctor,

and moved to Utah.

Jason was born to them first;

Amelia was born last.

Amelia’s aunt

carried the name Samuel,

but she preferred Sam.

Sam visited them often,

often paid to babysit.

Big brother Jason

grew spoiled with leniency,

breezing through college.

Amelia, the baby,

learned tough love, perseverance.

One grade school Monday,

her peers spread rumors about

Amelia’s mom.

They called Jude a witch doctor,

the hazing grew harrowing.

Amelia wept to Jude,

“Why do the kids hate us, Mom?”

Jude said, “My daughter,

melanin is our blessing,

but some treat it like a curse.”

R.L.P. Auriga

Long Island, New York