When Joy Bursts Through the Cracks

When Joy Bursts Through the Cracks
Front Street Station Public Art Project
Alcohol Ink. Yupo Paper. 5” x 7”. 2020.
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We sometimes do not recognize

when joy bursts through the cracks.

for we usually notice cracks

lining older streets,

older buildings, 

older things.

But we know:

Century-old prayers have spilled into the concrete of Mesquite.

A history is kept there: wide, enduring, and deep.

In the depth and in the steep

We continue to leap 

from one epoch to the next

and here we are, moving into the next.

I'll tell you:

I watched as the community gathered around

to break the ground

passing out vials 

so we may carry pieces of

uprooted grass, roots, and concrete 

to remember as we leave.

Although that's not everything in this timeless soil,

it certainly felt complete 

as I held earnest prayers,

ardent history,

and felt unfading joy release.

When joy bursts through the cracks

nothing can stay the same.

For once joy is felt, known, and seen

history is honored history

and joy is left on repeat.

Artwork and Poetry by Paige Lehmann