By Dan Lu
No worry about money. No need
for ask. Mama ai ni Mama say
do your homework before bed,
Mama tuck you in at night, Mama
cross an ocean for you the salt
is in your blood feel the sting in
your flesh the fracture in your
bones Mama say this land is yours
if you dig hard enough fill your
fists with dirt until your fingers
bleed stuff it all in your mouth,
wield this language like a weapon
until your roots are deep enough
to last Mama want you to look
forward, girl, be happy, don’t you know?
Mama don’t cry, Mama wait for you
to get rich and buy me fancy car. Tsk,
Mama just joking, aiya, just marry
a good man and give me grandchild,
or stay with me at home and write
those stories you like so much.
Mama wait for you here, okay?
Wherever you choose to go.
