HAISA BAK

Soon it will be time

for Haisa Bak--

the Saguaro Harvest.

First the Saguaro blooms

a crown of white flowers.

The flowers close,

the fruit appears 

and grows

into red globes.

Then like the Indians

of the Tohono O'odham

we take a long wooden stick

and knock the fruit from the top

of the Saguaro.

It takes thick gloves

to pick the fruit 

from the ground.

Friends gather to help.

We peel the fruit,

all day we boil,

the pots get hot,

sweat drips from Auntie's brow.

We cook and cook

to make liquid

to make jellies and candies

from the sweet pulp,

and the old relatives and friends

sing songs, tell jokes

and tell the stories 

of other harvests

and other family

who aren't with us

for Haisa Bak.


      Can you write a poem today about a tradition in your family?