March 13, 2026
Poetry
Someday mami
Artwork by Parker Wilson
“We haven’t seen you a while, Come home” Sorry mami no The textbooks have just uncuffed me Idleness a luxury I shouldn’t presume Duties the hands on a clock ticking Daughters in my culture return They’re like pilgrims circumambulating when they visit an apostle I love you, papi, and the dog But the love I think you expect is one I can’t carry It’s a twiggy shrub in the middle of the path That catches on my pants Pausing my trekking Before, I didn’t know that cotton-candy snow burns like flames Because you covered my hands with mittens Or that the sky is a massive obsidian curtain sprinkled with glitter Because my curfew was at eleven “Can I come with you?” Someday mami I have yet to discover You wouldn’t have let me Scramble that giant rock nature’s tower Grip jagged granite Feel the triumph at reaching its crown When overlooking the valley. I promise I will return I won’t forget you But I must make dreams memories All you wanted was the best for me To be proud of me But I need you to allow me To make myself proud too
