3RD PLACE
Her love is sweet and warm. Softer than the masa she kneads with those hands full of wrinkles and worries. Tired hands that have never seen rest. Hands that frantically search a forehead for a fever, or slip you rolled up dollar bills with a chuckle and wink. They carry stories, holding the wisdom and strength which ties this family together. Always working. Patting the dough and preparing the plates. Serving sweet, warm love up on a platter. In Eastie, the hidden enclave of this city, far from the rivers and valleys of her youth, she makes us feel at home.
Miranda Norman, 31 Years old,
East Boston.