Extend the Favor

If I was cuñada

Before I had a ring

And now being called tía

Means everything

I know I’ve been welcomed

By everyone’s warm hearts

But powerless to extend the favor

I tear myself apart

All this respect I don’t deserve

I’m too young to be called “ma’am”

I adore all the formalities

But they make me feel like a sham

Sweet, patient, and gentle

Nothing less than perfectly kind

Still ready to accept and forgive

But the death warrant is now signed

He sought out approval

He wanted to ask permission

But with threats and manipulation

He was beaten into submission

He’s got no one to turn to

No one to call him brother or son

Loving while living in a guarded heart

I’m far away, but he’s the lonely one.