When California comes to Mind

California is not all Hollywood stars and glamour.
Not Beverly Hills mansions, Golden Gate Bridge or Silicon Valley.
It is you trapped in your apartment during this Pandemic.
Hair growing into a wild fro.
Unable to perform on stage, you record Cameo’s
to cheer up fans.
Surprise visits on Live Instagram to give them a sanity.

When I see LA or California on a map,
I see your beautiful dark Latino skin
with sparkles near your pupils.
I hear the sweet sentiments of your voice
and miss your singing.
California holds a promise towards tomorrow
because it holds you inside it.

Margarette Wahl