To the Discarded Corn Husks Lying on the Kitchen Table After Christmas Dinner

"Fallen Petals" by Stephen Briseño

To the Discarded Corn Husks Lying on the Kitchen Table After Christmas Dinner

by Stephen Briseño

You are el jefe

of items important

yet overlooked:

the snapped bones

of chopsticks left

in the phở bowl,

the butcher paper,

muted blood red,

soaking up the grease

a fatty brisket gives,

the bright cap

of a Topo Chico.

Then there’s you.

You are tamale’s girdle,

cinching just tight enough,

promising:

“Hold in there--

the steam es solo un momento;