SEGUNDA

Segunda

GRAITCHELL GUTIERREZ

Every morning I wake up thankful, for my Abuela’s bendicíones.

How she covers me in love, despite the 2,000 miles of land and sea that keep us apart.

I think back to heavy Panamanian air, thick with the scent of hot oil and fritura.

Abuela’s thin fingers converting shapeless mounds of corn into tortillas and bollos.

La hamaca swaying in the breeze, outside her small yellow house, The same color as maíz.

Once a home for twelve children, now holds her thirty nietos, all of us blanketed in her care

Abuela tells us stories of our parents, how although they were never rich, Dios simpre nos ah dado. And when the meal is cooked, we all gather around the old wooden table, hands clasped in prayer.

Que dios le bendiga esta comdida, The woman who prepared it, Who keeps our familia together, Amen.