Life on My Street

 

Today I walked the dogs
The same route I’ve walked for years
The sun is warm and the sidewalk is fresh
I laugh, taking off my sandals
“Funny,” I tell them,
“I am older than the concrete.”

Four little kids running to the fence
They wait for us at the gate
“Perrito!” one says
“His name is Chango!”
Another girl emphasizes “Chango”
They laugh and they wave

Latin music pumps from a Yukon
There is a sticker in the back
“In loving Memory,”
It says, to someone I will never get to know
The young man waves
His arms are tattooed with his life

At the old fire station, a mechanic
Wipes sweat from his face
“Buenos tardes,” He says waving
His hands are scarred and covered in grease
“Este bein?”
I nod yes, waving “See you later my friend.”