Niña Tancho: Pain and Abrazos

This past week I have been reflecting on people I will miss most as I begin to say goodbye, especially in Las Nubes. One of the first women who came to mind was a lady by the name of Niña Tancho.

Niña is a stout woman in her 70's who seems to have succumbed to gravity. She stands no taller than 4 foot tall. She used to have this huge bottom tooth that separated her smile and stood as a glorious obelisque behind her lips. 

She does this thing every time we enter her house where she stands in the entrance way of her house with her hands on her hips, slowly eating some tortilla, and will only speak to Hector until he hears and responds to whatever may be ailing her that day. She won't even look at us until this ritual occurs. After all this is said and done she lifts her head and takes in her surroundings. She makes eye contact with each of us. There's always an awkward pause that seems to a small eternity. Then with a sudden rush  of energy she smiles her toothless grin and opens her arms, exclaiming "Toñito!, Margarita! Maria! 

Her embrace is always so warm and genuine. I look forward to them every week. 

In light of her pre-hug theatrics I wrote a poem about this incredible woman. It doesn't do her personality justice but I thought I'd share.

Niña Tancho

Why are you so angry?

With us?

Don’t you know? We love you

Is it your son?

Your relationship so seemingly broken

You cry to see it repaired.

Is it your age?

Weathered by the years

By the long walks, barefoot, down the volcano’s slope

By the black choking smoke that engulfs you

As you shape, so expertly, a tortilla for your daughter.

Snow whitened hair flowing down your sun beaten skin

Like leather.

Wrinkles transverse your tired face

Everyone knows when you cry and when you laugh.

Maybe it’s your sole tooth

That solitary obelisk in the center of your smile

Now lost and gone forever.

Why are you so angry?

Niña

I will never claim to know why

The sadness goes beyond the clear waterfall walls of you eyes

I will travel as far as you will guide me

And hold your hand as long as you let me

But stop for just a moment

Allow me to enjoy simply being in your presence.

Showered in your humanity

Right before my eyes

I don’t think I’ve ever seen God this clearly

God, Smiling.

Much Love,

Toñito