Street Concentration of a Diaspora

I flushed my keys down the toilet

.____.

Swimming In Sticky Notes

I’ve never seen performers, facilitators, and speakers get the agenda midnight before a conference. Everyone is going to literally wing it tomorrow. Everyone went to sleep .___.

• Mom: I love him for his missing teeth. His dark skin. I love him for who he is. I tell him to stop smoking because I care about him, but only he can change himself.
• Mom: No one is perfect but with love we can understand. With love we can support each other to grow. Even one person who love you can change your whole life. Your dad lived a hard life and it follows him. The drinking and smoking. His simpleness. But it's also the reason for his kindness. The reasons respects everyone and does what he can for everyone.
• Peter: How about Danny's dad?
• Mom: I loved him too. I loved his kindness and how he took care of everyone. The crook in his smile and how he never could take a normal picture.He was an animal. He knew instantly between family and enemies. He was never scared and never scared to love. When he died I had no one. No one to comfort me.I felt I had to be strong. There was so much to life. It would never be the same. I had to realize it to move on. All I wish for you is to be happy. To not live from hand to mouth everyday. I won't live forever. Danny won't live forever. The community may die too. Remember our honor. Remember our love remember the suffering uou've seen.

Ride

Grandma remembers the old cars
This was a country town
It’s became a city
We’re a simple people
Any child in my house is my child
They’re fed, lectured, and protected
Respect as brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers
Grandma’s eyes water
My subs rattle Barbara Lewis
Honor and Love
is all this community has
She sniffles for the hearts slowed
the dreams rippled

When Time Isn’t Binded

She remembers fishing with her husband
Before his death, before her baby
Leaving work to travel and fish
Crawdads, crabs, and lobsters
To only just be together
I fade into backseats of stripped down
Civics
Steady to not rip the fuel line running
next to my leg
Drinking on porches and flying out of trees
Crawdads, rice fields, Chai Lo
I remember my grandfather
Orange pulp juices and a Canoe
I remember patience
The dirt covering my face
Once my tattoos are carved
my feet may rest
may I fish again

Numb

Our culture is one of wars and genocide
we always remember hunger
anyone can eat
Not everyone can cook
Wishing death on your loved ones
is equivalent to being unable to cook
Knowing hunger is measurements
Knowing love is tears never flowing during funerals
Knowing strength is beatings while tied to a tree
The tongue turns numb
Seeing the sublime of life through others