…

We are sitting on the side of the bed.

What are you doing? she says—

—I’m giving you the evil eye.

You keep giving me the evil eye

and now I’m giving it back.

We laugh.

Oh. And what is this?

Those are my hands, Mom.

…

My mother takes my two hands

in her two hands and pulls herself

up to standing.

It is time, she says.

You know what to do, she says.

Do it tonight. My wishes,

while I still have wishes.