Poem of the Week
By Claire Becker
Staff Writer

Alicia's Poem

She arrived last night, the North-American supervisor.
She came on the bus, after nightfall.
The girls had said, Maybe she will not come,

But when they saw the bus round the curve and stop,
They ran. They had not gone far all day; they were waiting,
Waiting, and watching the road for the supervisor.

I also waited (and hoped). I do not know her well,
Because she does not speak Guaraní,
But she is helpful and brings food each week.

When the supervisor arrived, we added wood to the fire.
Late they stayed there, with Ariel, Sebastian and Selso,
Mashing peanuts and drinking mate dulce.

Today was very hot-a day for laundry and bathing.
Even now, the cold has not fallen.

The stars have come out, and thin clouds stretch across the horizon.
A hot wind blows, rattling the mango trees.

Julia and Kati will sleep outside again.
They are laughing in the grass with the supervisor,
Who has not gone on to Las Mercedes.