At dinner
someone mentioned politics
the room immediately
developed the atmosphere
of an airport delay
My uncle blamed capitalism
My cousin blamed socialism
Someone blamed immigrants
which felt ambitious
considering the potatoes
Meanwhile
my aunt kept refilling wine glasses
with the calm precision
of a battlefield medic
Outside
rain touched the balcony railing
like it was trying
not to get involved
At some point
two people began speaking simultaneously
in different languages
which honestly
improved the conversation
Then my grandmother asked:
“Does anyone want cake?”
The entire table went silent
as if peace negotiations
had unexpectedly succeeded