Papi

Yesmil Polanco
By Yesmil Polanco
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Papi
I know
the constant pain you feel now
The brightness in your eyes is long gone
America is slowly killing you
work, money, me

Papi
You are like a morir soñando on a hot day
so sweet and cold
I know you miss it all
the people, the food, the music
A place with so many vivid memories
it ain't leaving your head soon
I don't miss it
cause how can you miss a place
that never made you

Papi 
Believe me
I'm a ghost
The thorns of a rose hurt you less than my lack of words
Keeping up with my silence is wearing you down,
hopefully all the grudges in my heart will one day drown

Papi
I know I don't say
"te quiero mucho"
Believe me
those words are engraved in my soul
waiting to be free one day

Papi 
I know things are difficult
I hope we're okay
soon my future would provide for us
you'll be able to eat at a dinner table
Even though I'm a mess, I will be able

Papi
You've worked all your life
Coming to a new country
ain't easy when you're 27

Papi
Everything will be okay
Quisqueya isn't going anywhere
it will be there
waiting for you 

Papi 
Forgive me for any harm I've caused you
I forgive you
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Yesmil Polanco

Yesmil Polanco is a class of 2016 mentee alum from Manhattan, NY.

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Latinx Art & Writing
The Ties That Bind: A…
Genre / Medium
Poetry
Topic
Family
Love
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