On the wall behind the cash register
a mosaic of snapshots reveals happenings
in Carmelita’s family.

To the left a doll-sized mannequin
wears camouflage gear,
a workman’s apron
and a scholar’s mortarboard.

On the right two pictures:
Our Lady of Guadalupe and
San Antonio Spurs with
their NBA trophy.

Under the take-out menu,
a hand written sign:
Support the troops.
Pray for peace.

Working folk
fill up on life
in beans and tortillas,
huevos rancheros,
conversation and laughter.

March 14, 2005