Just thought I’d point out,
That it’s one hell of a juxtaposition,
To Know you’re read in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England,
And other places, thanks to the beauty of this internet,
By one young woman who chose, of all things, my poetry collection to help her learn English.
I’m not saying I’m famous, or even well read,
But it’s one hell of a juxtaposition,
That I can’t get a job because I don’t speak Spanish.
It’s a fine skill to have,
Especially in this area,
But I’m patient,
Willing to learn,
And I remember fondly when I worked with that German lady running our grill;
–“what does “that’s what she said” mean?
–I mean, I know that’s what she said, but why is it funny?“
–”I used to play the piano all the time,
–but we haven’t been able to afford one for years,
–my husband and I would sit and play together for hours.”
That twinkle-eyed Cherokee woman who helped me fill orders,
Who took me on dates.
–“My brother’s always been one of those kids,
–we keep moving to try to get him away from those kinds of people,
–but he always ends up back with them again.
–I don’t want my mom to worry about me,
–She worries enough about him.”
The beautiful young Mexican whose wedding I missed.
Who was probably the kindest person I’ve ever met.
It’s a hell of a juxtaposition.
Language ain’t,
Culture ain’t,
Perspective ain’t,
A barrier I ain’t willing to try to cross.
Hard work doesn’t scare me.
