BIRTHDAY POEM FOR PALOMA GRACIELA CHAVEZ
IN CELEBRATION OF HER FIRST YEAR

Twelve months have passed, now,
since you entered the world.
In that time,
you have encountered
incomprehensible wonders:
bright colors and shapes,
the fragrance of flowers,
the miracle called music,
those strange and alien sounds
we call words,
in two languages,
and the most beautiful thing of all,
the deep, intense and passionate love
of your mother and father,
all of your family,
those who live with you,
all those gathered here for you
on this happy day
and friends beyond.

Honor flies with you,
pretty little Dove,
and watches you play,
watches your joy.

As your life continues,
never lose your enchantment,
your vision and
your ability to see
that which only children
can and do see.
It is a great gift.
Fly on.

-Commissioned by the family of Paloma G. Chavez, granddaughter of the late Cesar Chavez
United Farm Workers Union labor leader

- Stephen C. Wetlesen