Were I “that kind of Mexican”
I’d make an authentic
ofrenda,
instead of this:
por mis abuelos,
for Trini
who always had hugs and
warmth in her smoker’s rattle voice,
y Juan
and his ever present stubble which
scraped my face with each embrace,
y Irene
whose caustic humor
belied a broken life and body.
Then there are mis tios:
Rudy the bear,
Ray the quiet genius,
Fernie the garage philosopher,
Eddie the passionate spark,
Kiki the gentle soul,
Carmen the humble and strong,
y Nancy the loud, proud eagle.
Then, there are my cousins,
Celia and Johnny,
both taken too damned soon.
Finally,
mi Pop,
Daniel (pronounced Dan-Yell),
called Copi,
short for “el Capitan”
who gave me everything he could.
I send my prayers
to God
in thankfulness,
in wonder,
and I pray
for each of you
to send me
what I need
from wherever you are
now.
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