CU TANTU SI CALA ‘U CULU SI PARA
Our proud Zia Angelina, Aunt Angie on Moore Street,
lover of fine cuisine cleanliness grand opera
carried herself like a duchess
always well-dressed imperious she often said,
“Cu tantu si cala ‘u culu si para”
If you bend too low your ass will show
she knew that when you bow low
trying to please
kowtowing to others to curry favor
your rear end juts into the air
a stiff kick’s target
Aunt Angie advised us to take credit for accomplishment
toot our own horns brag a little bluff a little
stand tall at work or at home
scrub brush, dishrag, computer, pen, spoon, shovel,
hammer, cleanser, broom, pot, pan
all worthy tools
no task too menial it does not have value
Aunt Angie taught that abusers are rampant
mistaking humility for weakness
be generous be flexible be proud
let no one take advantage
acknowledge smile laugh
one can be regal even with a toilet brush as scepter
Remember
Cu tantu sic ala ‘u culu si para
If you bend too low, your ass will show.