FULL MOON ON TOP OF A CHAMPAGNE PALM'S TIP

in that public high
school
his mama's attention
was called by the
principal
who noticed a torn
uniform which he
wore in school

"don't you have a
needle and thread
to patch
this torn cloth?"
she asked

his mother was
embarrassed for
such an accusation
of neglect

she had no time for
sewing and
patching

her husband died
five years ago
and she was the only
one raising
five kids

all her time was devoted
looking for money
to buy food, to pay
rent, electricity and
water bills.