Chile

After the cosecha
when the sun retires
and the chile is firm
and the stems taut—
gather a bushel and enjoy the aroma abounding.

Grab a spool of twine
some scissors
play music that reminds you of home
take a seat
and ready your fingers.

It is possible
you will see your grandfather’s hands
in yours
The wrinkles—valleys
veins—rivers.

Though he is long-gone
you may hear his voice say,
“tie a slip-knot primero, así.”

You will grab three chiles in your left hand
and wrap the knot
around the taut stems
pulling till it’s tight.

You will wrap more twine
around the three chiles;
four times to be exact—
create another loop
then tighten.

Repeat this process
until you have ten groups
of three chiles on each string;
until you see generations unborn
readying their fingers
to tie knots the way we do.