The Chicano Shoe

The Chicano shoe is constructed
of pain and grief

bound up by tears
which slip off the eye

bound up by the sweat
of the back

the leathery hands
which reach into the heart

the womb of the Chicana
which softens the blow

the fiestas
which wipe away the blood

or bring it forth
once again

the Chicano shoe---
it's not for everyone.