The Alchemy of Remembering

Every now and then, I find myself revisiting books I have already read. The one I visit the most is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. My mother sent me a copy of it from Colombia before she was granted her visa. On the first page, she wrote “I couldn’t send you Harry Potter because it’s sold out but I want you to begin this collection. I love you very much. Your Mom. 01-04-05”

Sometimes it’s months or even years before it is picked up to be read. It never changes but I constantly am. That is what is great about literature. The stories are always there to ground when you feel like the world is spinning.  I can measure my journey on its pages like a parent who keeps track of his or her child’s height on a door frame.

 2017- Using it to write this blog.

                2016-I read it with my 13-year-old nephew, Santiago.

   2014- After a fight with my family I leave home. I leave all my books behind except this one.

2012- I abandon college after half of a semester.
I read it on my lunch breaks at Target.

2010- I see my future girlfriend reading
            By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept.
I recommend her to also read
              The Alchemist.

            2009- My mother and I are reunited after 10 years apart.
We go through all books she sent me.
Some are lost.
She’s glad this book wasn’t.

2008- I am 13-years- old and
my uncle passes away.
I read it for the first time
And feel like running away too.

2005- I’m disappointed that it’s not
Harry Potter.

Brayan Mauricio