napkin politics (1999)
a quiet cafe
far from the inaugural lights
too far
california parties
on,
into the late night
music,
limos, tuxedos,
a brand new set of promises
a democratic governor
after 16 years of republican
dictatorship
a monstrous shift
changing of the guard
this time
the browning of california
the rise of latino politics
rattles the foundation
typically,
i map it out
dissect
on a coffee-stained napkin
reality is still
the haves
and have-nots
no matter what color
the words,
pride and loyalty
scribbles aimlessly
from my pen
what does it mean
this hoe-down
that trumpets cultural emergence?
from my perch
too far
even for the cheap seats,
we never know
until it's too late
campaign promises
always grand and illustrious
the first days
are made to be broken
can't blame me
used to being burned
and yet,
i'm fascinated
a real live
chicano awakening
bangs loudly at the gates
brown faces
brown faces like mine
too good to be true
hope
i sip my coffee
let that swirl around
slowly,
then drink it
-c.mariano 1/5/99
Spring 1999-- NCX Home -- Archives -- Electrons to the Editor