THEY DWELL IN YELLOW QUIET

They dwell in yellow quiet

these houses of the very poor

the homemade gas lamps are

expertly placed – just so

they do not flicker much

though still the shadows cast

are insecure.

The night brings yellow silence to

the houses of the very poor

the many children do not cry, though

it is hellish dark, in the corners

where they are –

except when gathered

round the wooden table

they fight over their shares,

bright tears and eyes in the yellow light.

But the justice of the elders is

God’s own, and silence

reigns over the chewing.

And yet in the quiet houses of the very poor

they drag no heavy feet

over the patchwork floors,

There is no rebellion in 

their placid movements       

Although the shoulders stoop

and veins stand out on

wrinkled hands and faces old

or not

At night the windows are shut tight

in the houses of the very poor

the next best way to iron grills

To keep the poorer out

                                                                   - Ma. Lorena Barros                                                                                

                                                                      The Weekly Nation

                                                                      October 2, 1967. p. 28