Rosa Ramirez

What's on my mind? The Ugly-Beautiful

The orange and grey sunset across the bay,
unnatural and polluted, yet lights up the autumn
sky with brazen glory and presence, purposeful.

The concrete sidewalks sprinkled with urine, needles,
trash, and banana peels. The home of those looking
for hope; the way of life that tangles and oppress.
Then, the eyes. The blue lined eyes of the old
Spanish woman, pushing her cart, pushing towards Jesus,
the joy of her day.
Nothing to own, nothing to give.

"But, I am happy."
The truth in her words that only resonate in me
at my best.

The corner of Wall and Willow.
"My residence!" She says, "Come see my residence!"
I walk with fake confidence, worried she'll invite me in,
worried she'll be mad I can't stay, worried where I'll sit.

Three more steps, cross the street.
Chinese gift shop on the corner,
"They will let me know when you visit."

There it is.
Two royal blue tarps covering three grocery carts.
Filled with crates, plastic bottles, clothes, and knick knacks.
With a smile as wide as the ocean, missing teeth,
"Here! Here is my residence!"

I've been invited into the residence, a home she created by hand.
Her hands are grateful for every bottle. Her hands recognize
"I have nothing, but I am happy."