Page 10 - Contrast2004
P. 10
Cantina
In Rancho T aquiero Cantina
I sit alone with my salt-rimmed Cuervo Gold Margarita
A Spanish~speaking couple enter
the man in quiet rubber~soles
the woman, high heels that tap the red brick floor
I stare at the salt on the rim of my drink
The man, the woman, a few seats down
order their drinks-tequila, sangria
and talk together comfortably alone in their language
Their liquid words soothe me
those rolling r's from him, a smooth ride through the choppiest waters,
those double I's from her, a sleek bridge from shore to shore
the woman begins to cry
Te qUieroperc seacabo, he says
his words caress me
the woman before him sobs
I stare at the salt on the rim of my drink
How did I come to thirst
for something bitter and something sweet
in the same glass?
Ilove you but it's over
~Michelle Horn, Poetry Contest Finalist
"The Date," Acrylic, by .a WatSo(l
Jesslc
8 Contrast 2004
