Oh dear god, yes. I remember California
and how a gun is held
the right way.

Yes. I remember skies lit with oil
and what colors not to wear
on the school grounds.

Yes. I remember traffic jams
spread across superhighways
and what life is like from 5 PM onwards.

Yes. I remember your necklace
pressed to my palm, you asking
if I’ll live to see twenty-five. (Well, maybe 25 to life.)

And yes. I remember what you said
and how I said nothing
– should’ve screamed “no” in every language –
when they came and took you away.