That nest of swallows in the gutter above the patio, you remember that. The nest of swallows, the peeps and hollers, the cats, the squirrels, and the birds. You remember that. They fly so god damn fast, you said, how do they see where they're going? I swallowed hard. Your father was a laborer. His hands felt like plastic and when they touched you, you told me, you turned to plastic too.