Chicano Love and Barrio Streets

A rose grows among the cracked sidewalks, of

the tear stained barrio streets, where happiness

is a luxury and can easily be lost forever.  While

deep in their thoughts a young Chicano couple

are falling in love.

A painting of the Virgin looks down upon streets

which are so far from heaven, yet not so far away,

from hell. Young men strut like roosters, each

wanting to rule for the day, while their women

willingly look to sell their soul for the poison

which temporarily takes the pain away.

Near an old bridge the young couple tries to blend

into its surroundings, far away from prying eyes,

they hide. While an elderly man sells watermelon

helados from a push cart that has seen far better

days.

The young couple is oblivious to the drama being

played out as they steal a playful kiss. Meanwhile

an older couple passes by arguing about money

that runs like water through foolish hands.

Soon the afternoon sun, is swallowed up by the

night, and the barrio streets  become transformed

by the sound of music coming from dimly lit smoke

filled bars. Still, the young couple remain lost in
their own world.

As they share their intimate feelings, they promise

to meet there again the next day. Then after a final

kiss and two forlorn sighs they go their separate

ways. As the final rays of light disappear, both the

rose and the virgin are covered up by the darkness.

Gradually between the hustle and bustle, of cars

trucks, and people upon the noisy barrio streets,

the memories of the day are slowly being erased.
But even so, the virgin and the rose remain.

Frank Solis Copyright 2015

All Rights Reserved