by Shana Huang

Is the Taishanese term

for grandma, 

Mom’s mom.

Pópó worked at China Grove, 

a restaurant

on gold.

There, my Pópó prepared 

delicious

jade dishes,

like burgers and noodles,

that servers

savor.

After hours with friends

among midnight

starlight.

Atop concrete and leather,

any weather,

resting.

Pópó, not unlike nonna,

Abuelita,

Grandma,

journeyed to America, 

starting in 

a new world.

Beginning not unlike 

the first Chinese 

Americans, 

who built roads of sorrowful steel,

mining coal and

hoping,

Dreaming of their loved ones

far away

each day.

Wishing for prosperity

for the ones

left behind.

For the ones on rustling grass

a place where 

Pópó was.

Where her journey began

when she 

traveled.

---