Pinto Beans with Tortillas

Pinto Beans with Tortillas

I remember to soak the beans overnight.

But first I scatter the beans on the counter,

as an element of ritual.

You said, “Find the small stones”

And Grandma Bea,

I do remember to rinse the frijoles pintos.

Recreating the perfectly formed tortillas de harina

of your dinner table vexes me.

I shape the dough into smooth balls, I promise!

Like you, I roll each one out from the middle to the edges.

Still when cooked, my tortillas form appendages.

I imagine you still approve of the effort.