Poems 1-4 depict the return to everyday life once the series of crises settle into a new sense of normalcy and order. “A Swirl of Changes” depicts the narrator, Mad, Mom, and Dad within the new status quo. In “Travel Plans,” the family makes plans to travel to Europe if Mom can receive special permission. “Reality” describes her mother’s anxiety in response to news from Abuelita about the family’s increasing struggles and suffering under Cuban tyranny. The poem concludes with a description of American disinterest in Cuban affairs and the discussion about recent events in school. Instead history focuses on affairs far in the past. “My Own View of History” is a re-telling of the recent events that highlights her attempts to address American views of Cuba.

In Poems 5-8, the family travels to Europe. “Soaring” describes the view from the plane as the author overlooks the European landscape. “Nomads” describes the joy the family feels as they travel once again. “Cave Paintings” is about the author’s reflections on writing poetry as she sees cave paintings in Spain. “Imaginary Horses” describes her acceptance of writing and inspiration despite the loss she has experienced.