Tagged into a piece of art

I see barrio beauty in the pain

of lost souls

looking for a name

 

hidden in the inner city maze

of poverty’s disgrace

trapped between the interstates

no water and no gas

no pick up trash

no solid waste disposal

of neither light nor telephone lines

can find its street access

the Post Office just stamps

"no such address"...

 

but like the magic genie in the lamp 

you don’t even need a stamp

for home delivery of sights

that only children and the elves can see 

in the branches of a simple tree...

 

There are bright red cardinals 

and many butterflies 

chickens, roosters, there are eggs 

squirrels, possums, thy garden snakes, 

migrant turtles, migrant toads,

 

and suspect weeds which really be 

the ancient food of all my family 

"Quelite" plant of solid Aztec stock 

powerful like spinach, sweeter to the taste

culinary wonders in the tender cactus green 

the place is blessed there is no waste 

the hand of God and nature can be traced.

 

In such a waterhole of juvenile distaste 

I see a tiny litt1e garden snake

and I am moved to think 

like in the midst of hell 

where empty shells are testament 

to funeral drive byes 

I know

I’ll cast a magic spell 

with all the help and blessings 

of my friends -- 

upon this spot upon this diamond in the rough

I’ll build a garden -- even if it's tough...!