Singing to the Rain by Alan MahoodSinging to the Rain
by Alan Mahood
Asian laundry lady
Folds others washing while
Senoras and senoritas
Laugh and smile and
Speak staccato Spanish
Rapid fire machine gun quick
As if the language cant
Keep up with their
Important thoughts,
chaka chaka chaka chaka
Keeping time with the
Wheels of the laundry carts
Clattering across the white tile
Floor, unaware , unheeding of the
Anglo poet reading his paper
Nearby and listening to the
Song in their voices.
A black baby in a stroller
Drops her bottle
When a man hands it back her
Mama says "Say thank you. Tanya."
And the tot says "Hiiiiii!".
Men watch sports on the
Overhead, and all
The kids that can reach the
Controls play video games.
Outside the lightning and rain
Start and I go out to feel the
Cool damp and remember
How long ago in Texas
When it rained
All the streets would flood.
-amahood
10-08-1999
09/22/2001 Posted on 09/22/2001 Copyright © 2024 Alan Mahood
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