When We Take the Car

when we take the car

I look out the window

when the hills roll past

these waves of roasted seaweed

with chunks of salt fold!

when we take the car

I open up the window

when the fields are crisp at the edges

these terraces of rice husks

remind me of Mom!

when we take the car

I gaze through the window

when Mom’s house is just in sight

its clay roof and stone walls shake with anticipation

to see my face brimming with elation!

when we take the car

I reach for the window

when I see Mom’s crow's eyes

and her smile as wide as a mountain range

does my heart flutter!

when we take the car

I scream from the window

Mom, squeeze me and hold me tight

because I miss you every night

in Dad’s apartment under the covers!

when we take the car

I wave from the window

when the cows march alongside

saying goodbye, see you soon

from Mom’s house, they moo!