Between palms, my paper boat lays
Like an anchored ship in a bay
Then, I paint a smile on my face
As I place it on the surface
Of the water
In a small pail
Beside Nanay

Between palms, Nanay is hiding
Scorching wounds, she's been suffering
From dirty clothes, bleach, detergent
For ten years after Tatay went
With his cold box
To a cold place
Cemetery

Between palms, Nanay scrubs and wrings
The dirt from our neighbor's clothing
Like she does to a slap of stains
That taints the life we're living in
Under the roof
Of holes and hopes
And dreams and love

Between palms, she scoops a big splash
Of water to my face, I brush
It away and grab the dipper
And we end up sloshing water
I run to her
And hug her tight
I am happy

Between my palms, I touch her hands
This life is hard, I understand
I have no hands to replace hers
But I'm strong as how her heart bursts
My boat ripples
On the water
I'll sail with it