Rock En Rol

First time I saw a Mexican dance rock en rol,
I stood there with my mouth wide open.

I was handed my first pair of dancing shoes
when I turned ten.

The barrio had not been invented yet.
White snakes filled the land like dirt.

A brown girl's petticoat
floated in the air like boats.

Her partner yelled ajua
as he spun her top.

I was too young to understand.
I moved my hips awkwardly.

I threw my head back too carefully,
the first time I saw a Mexican dance rock en rol.