Ma
10.12.15

“How many of my mother’s smiles
was I not able to paint in my head?

Did I always know when she
gave a piece of her heart?

Did I ever speak of all the bright, bright
bougainvilleas I meant to pick for her?

Did I listen when she told me
what makes a red tomato?

My bones so strong and
my cheeks so rosy?

How can I hear the
wisdom in her belly?

How can I wear a sliver
of light from her spirit?”