AT TODOS SANTOS

AT TODOS SANTOS

A frazzled white-haired woman

with a scrawny black kitten

flattened against her red coat 

boards the crowded bus.

She speaks only English,

and the driver lets her aboard

for the 500 pesos she offers,

though it isn't enough to cover her fare.

Her red lacquered nails match her jacket

and on her right arm, she wears a cast,

someone once cared about her.

There's nowhere to sit, she's so old.

Then a young Mexican boy stands up,

smiles, and offers her his red stool.

Abuela, please sit, he said.

December 2, 1985

rev. slightly 18 Nov 2015
Baja, Mexico