Friday, March 28, 1986

GOOD FRIDAY IN SAN IGNACIO

GOOD FRIDAY IN SAN IGNACIO

We're back in Baja, Sur
at the Hotel Presidente, riding on empty,
and it's 65 miles to the next Pemex.
We stalled at a granite oasis
where a Roberto Acosta died at age 21.
His blue iron cross bleeding with rust
etched with his dates 1956-1977.
Born after me, died before me.
Did he live a life worth choosing?

At the San Ignacio Mission
we walk amid pastel shrines,
carapaces to house the dead,
on Good Friday, under a waning moon,
listening to the rosary in Spanish,
the padre's face, lit by candles
and the dark gold sheen of the altar,
a subtle coinage of faith.



28 March, 1986
San Ignacio, Baja California Sur
added & revised 2/17

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