Mama

The cool breeze
smelling the pillows,
apo house smells,
Philippines in Hawaii.
Memories ingrained in fibers,
osmosis
from the mind.
When the migrant's
head
dreams
scalp, sweat, threads of hair
dreams of back home.

Now at home
lying in bed
immersed
into the room
inhale
exhale
sleep with the ocean sea breeze
coming through the jalousies,
caressing the lace curtains
that expand and plumped
like a tummy full
pregnant.

Mama gives birth to her son
Away from home.
But locked in a new one.
Everyday
waking up to breast feed
and then sit on the couch
While child sleeps.
Maybe look out the window
and count the clouds
pass across blue time.

The the child stirs
and mumbles moans
awaken from
day dream,
little trip,
back to life
And go to cradle
hold baby in arms
like the arms of a clock
tick
tock
heart beat
waiting until 5:30
When dad would arrive.

Next task is to prepare dinner.
Dinengdeng,
inapoy,
saluyot,
sida,
sili,
carabasa.
Danum, bauang
Stove burner
gas smell
flames.

I hate it here.
I want my own home.
But its not said
just plastered on her
unsmiling face.
Serving dinner
no forks or spoons
Ag kamet tayo.