Built From Stone

Watch him from the terrace. Dust and diesel rise. Grandfather has taught

us, sitting beside important merchandise. The alley smells like mint tea

and burnt rubber. Counting Duram stacks, thinking how we suffered. Rooftop strategy sessions.

Plotting roots through customs. Brother, lock the way. I send him

what the mob brings. Silk gel over bulletproof underneath. The old women

pray while we negotiate the streets. Survive the crossing, survive the cold. Two languages,

one story told. Heritage heavy on my backbone. Built different when you come from

stone.