when i was younger Rye Tran when i was younger
ba said “i love you”
through outstretched calloused hands
plucking emerald guavas from trees
too tall for reach
mẹ said “i care”
through guided sharpened knives she used
to sculpt mango figurines
when i was younger
ông said “don’t grow up too fast”
by hoisting butterfly hammocks
for lazy summer days
while bà said “don’t be afraid”
by crouching over pots of boiling broth
so we’d sleep at night
with warm bellies and mouths stained from soup.
