History Lesson

The Mexican eagle
sleeps upon a limb.

Half a woman
cries from the arroyo.

A whole bitter race
of lemons on the bank.

A sacred virgin
created just for the occasion.

The snake is begging
on its knees.

Juan was blind
says a detractor.

But the nation
was born anyway.

A playground
which can not mature.

The virgin hugs you
with her cactus arms.

Child, you must know
what you are made of.