look what I can do
he climbs a pillared playground as mothers
milk slips from his toddling smile. we play
peek-a-boo between each gap. in a near distance
his mama speaks slow measures of a second
language: “your honor, the legal aid said we can’t
apply for asylum.” the judge presses her lips to this
hanging silence of a courtroom. the child dangles
from the partition his is the only pride here
…..
This poem is from the chapbook Motherlands by Camille Hernandez – NWVS #190 (Finishing Line Press), and can be found at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/motherlands-by-camille-hernandez-nwvs-190/
Camille Hernandez is a writer currently living in Anaheim, California. She’s the Poet Laureate of Anaheim. Her previous work has appeared in Health Promotion Practice, Louisville Review, and So to Speak. Camille was a finalist in Finishing Line Press’ New Women Voices Chapbook contest. Camille enjoys writing about the fluidity of intimacy in marginalized women’s relationships. Some of Camille’s favorite authors include Toni Morrison, Hanif Adurraquib, and Octavia Butler. When she’s not writing, Camille enjoys collecting jewelry and going camping with her family.
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