Headstones

The word has lost
its Chicano name in Albuquerque
ever since Cecilio left.

The word has lost
its power and pride in San Antonio
where once the Black Hat Poet pounced.

The word has lost
its brown bravado in Colorado
where Lalo’s footprints waged war in the snow.

And on the dusty streets
of Gonzales, Texas, there’s evidence
that Max is trying to teach us a brand new language.