A Timeless Design
Gramma uses a molcajete to make her mole--
the work of a volcano, worked round and smooth,
flavors worked in, everything is work, and holy.
Hands, rough: rub, pound, pat, sign the cross, soothe
granddaughter's migraines with orange blossom extract,
pressed white dresses into a calla lily daughter for mass,
daughter pushed into light, a blessing light can diffract.
The curse: a shadow always at her back. Mouth of brass
to trumpet concerns, crooked lips to whisper Hail Mary,
a flickering sigh like the light burning behind the face
on the Veladora de la Virgen, singing out like a canary
gramma places in the ceramic kitchen sink, just in case.
Vigilant hand protecting the house from the flame’s lust,
nightly-- something about women, something about trust.
© CAI
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