“Snow in January" and "Not Another One" by Azalea Aguilar

Snow in January

Last night's snow crunches under my winter boots

I pace the walk where salt stops the stick
Icicles frame the roof of our house
We have been eagerly awaiting the first fall
Another January without you
You always hated the cold
Said people in this city were mean
No amount of layering eased complaints
The girls spend hours outside
Crawling through the fluff
The way we sank in the sand
I have to beg to get them in
Cheeks and noses red like sunburn
At night street lights reflect off the ground
Creating a wave of glow bright as day all around
I search the sky for a sign of you
Whisper your name to the snow dancing at my feet
Sophia notices me noticing, what mommy
I point at snow sailing off branches in a breeze
It’s so pretty she says and takes my hand

---

Not Another One

I woke to the sounds of screaming
Women and children running through the hills
Gunshots in the distance

I woke to the sounds of crying
Cradling our youngest in our arms
Reminding our eldest of how strong she is

I woke to the sounds of begging
Daddy with his shotgun in the dark
Mommy sobbing at his feet

They take it all
Our land
Our people
Our peace

They speak in harsh tones
Put their hands on us
Ask us to speak up but shut up
Then gun down our babies as they run

I woke in the stillness of this sadness
Silence crashing all around
Not another one

When I warn my son to keep his cool
To do as he’s told if ever they come for him
Looking for a reason
Know your place is what he’s hearing
Stay alive is what I’m saying

Head down
Hands up
Please
Not another one

---


2/20/2025

Azalea Aguilar is a Chicana poet from Corpus Christi Texas, where the scent of the gulf and memories of childhood linger in her work. Her poetry delves into the complexities of motherhood, the echoes of childhood trauma, and the resilience found in spaces shaped by addiction and survival. She writes to honor the past, give voice to the unspoken, and carve tenderness from the raw edges of experience. Her work has appeared in Angel City Review and at events hosted by the American Poetry Museum in DC. She is currently crafting her first manuscript, a collection exploring the intersections of love, loss, and lineage.