Houses

Frail houses leaning together
pool the rain
in weary weather.
They spill out down the railroads
in or out of town.

Boys in worn out sandal treads
balance bones
on dirty heads.
They work to wake their fathers,
for their sister’s sake.

Hope boils and weaves
through bamboo walls,
banana leaves;
For tougher feet and longer sleeves
and floors not made of sand.