Comiendo en las casas desnudas

"Today it's you. Next time it could be me," Ramiro said. "That's how it is, no?"

I've learned more from a plumber in the last eight weeks than I have from some of my college professors.  

I sat with legs crossed on the concrete slab that is still months away from being clothed with carpet.  My boots have grown layers of dust & fluorescent paint, & I didn't realize that I had been glued to the same pair of shorts for three days.  

A mis amigos, no les importaba.  They offered me tortillas, carne, chicharrones, y jalepeños until my stomach hurt & los ojos quemaron.  

Too glad to have shared a farewell feast with one-time strangers.