theyput up a new row of shops
where vendors used to bewe eat café and drink donas
and comment on the changethey threw out the sidewalk vendors
from where the crowds still walk bycaptives led toward the border gate
consenting to obey
the path
of leastresistance
muffin
to US
The gringo and his girlfriend cross over, she with her shiny laser visa from techno-OZ, he with his American drawl straight from Kansas grandmothers, "You-Knight-Ed States," he says when counter officer asks citizenship....not to mention the white skin and prematurely grey hair. Ay sí guero gabacho él.
life borders unfair but who ever said they were?
the novios go to the museum of art in Balboa Park.
beauteous paintings.
not enough time to see everything.
"Promise me we'll come back," Maria asks.
pues claro que sí. esa mujer vale un potosí -- cuidatela, gringo....well certainly yes. this woman is worth a "mountain of gold" -- you take care of her, gringo....
he reflects
as she naps on his shoulder trolley
home to TJoh yeah
.somethings are good .
very good .others bad .
and then we die .
* s i g h *