I promise to water your flowers

I'll tend to the chayotes and cilantro

I'll never forget (again) to buy the good soil

And I won't be lazy with the spade

I promise your bougainvillea will be tended to

With the delicate care I saved for my guitar

Your pino will be trimmed regularly

And your naranjo will never have seen better days

But maybe I should track a little mud through the back door

Neglect to scrape my tierra-caked shoes on the jerga

And maybe I'll let the wind close the patio door with a slam

And wince, looking to your face for my regaño

Will you scold me for that and shake your head like you used to

And go back to cleaning the beans and rice?

Will you look at me in the eye then, and say jokingly, "No tengas cuidado"

Would you tell me how that reminds you of a morsel of your past?

I promise I'll listen

I'll be so still, so patient

I promise not to rush you along

Even though it's the third time this visit you've told me this story

I promise I won't mind

The casual gossip

The unfounded theory

The occasional sideways prayer

If you just promise me you won't leave me

By myself with your memories

As you sit, a stranger with a face I love so well

Bah, it's a selfish, childish wish

I won't voice it aloud

I'll just promise to water your flowers

And tend to the chayotes and cilantro

*Note: title is from the prayer “Himno de Laura: Estáte, Señor, Xonmigo”, one of Mami's favorite prayers.