Dia de los Angelitos

By Becky Kjelstrom

The spirits of the children arrive first. Mateo runs along the marigold pathway, eager to join the living. The candles on the ofrenda illuminate his photo and guide him to his mortal favorites, a football, mango candy and mama’s tamales.

But twenty-four hours is never long enough, and he must leave his family behind. Papa with the brave smile pasted on his face. Mama trying to stroke his arm. But worst of all, little sister, now taller than he, holding out the yellow balloon he cannot take.

“Life is a puzzle I try, endlessly, to solve with my writing.” – the writer