A spoken word, media-rich poem by award-winning poet Ana Maria Caballero. From Caballero’s new manuscript, MAMMAL, which explores how biology delimits cultural rites. MAMMAL was designated as a Manuscript of Exceptional Merit by Tupelo Press. Caballero's signature, straightforward verse gives voice to what’s left unsaid in that all-important space of home. anamariacaballero.com – Sense of Humor Even though I am not funny, my son laughs. His laughter does not make me feel funny, but beholden— like I owe him a joke now, like I better get funny soon, before he is old enough to remark that mommy is not funny, but somber— a string pulled from its spool into a snap horizon. You need not drop your gaze. If it becomes hard to see me I will be the first to say— turn away.