Mis amigos eat hot dogs
and frozen pizza when I come.
It’s a treat because I’m a friend.
Their Mom and Dad watch TV,
and encourage us out to play
as soon as we’re fed.
I eat arroz y pollo,
o quizas picadillo.
But mi abuela made ropa vieja
with black beans and rice
because mis amigos
were coming.
My family stays around the table
as we debate politics
and the day’s events.
My friends think we argue…
and they can’t understand
mi abuela’s broken English,
or the import of our discussions.
