Glass Poem by Dyhanara Rios

As I walk to the bus stop, I get
Glass embedded in my shoes
But if I keep walking
I know the glass will come loose
(And these shoes can be sewn)

Looking back at shards in the street
In every direction, they bear my reflection
The smudges and jagged edges
Mirror each imperfection
Bid me protection from closer inspection
Or my own stare could turn me to stone

The bus driver must be having a bad day
Because, I swear, I was at the stop
But he still pulled away
Defeated, I glance through the passing window
Of public transportation indigo
I see faces weathered by the fray
Of everyday life that chills to the bone

I swallow my pride and scramble for my phone
Mi tía, are you out there on the road?
“No, mija, and I won’t help you today
I don’t feel like leaving the house, let alone-”

And, just then, waving in a cruel charade
My other aunt passes by in her Escalade
Oh, how quickly these relatives had shown
Their indifference to helping one of their own

I pull more glass from my soul
And from my feet with tears
I wish the blood that seeps out
Wasn’t common with theirs

I swallow my pride and phone someone else
I hear the smile in their voice, and now I can see
Who’s heart is in it to help the struggling me
They don’t even ask why, nor hang me out to dry
Easing my fears and making my day
She says “no problem! I’ll be there soon, okay? ”

When I’m on crutches, or stranded somewhere
Or I just want a friend, or I need help in prayer
Blessed am I to have people who care
As glass crunches and snaps under the car tires
I am unafraid of glass forming in future fires