Papi why is it that it’s only when
you are sick, laying on a hospital bed,
that you allow me to caress your face?
Why is it that it’s only when you wear a catheter that you can receive touch?
Do you only receive touch through pain?
¿Papi porque eres tan fuerte conmigo?
Aren’t you as strong as my softness can be?
Why is it that you stop listening to me before I speak?
It is only when you listen, that I speak with conviction
It is only when you allow yourself to be soft
that I am happy to be your daughter.
It is only when you are like mami that I can love you.
I kiss your forehead and you smile
your shy broken smile, that I’ve seen so many men carry
a smile that is scared of life and angry
a smile that rather hide than risk feeling
but it is only when you are like papi that I know how to love you.
This piece was published on La Galeria Magazine at http://www.lagaleriamag.com/catheter/