This is the way my father spelled Watsonville, making the town of his oppression

holy

 

Guadsunvil

 

 

I understand the power of tongues

and torches

and tremors

and inundaciones.

 

I bought a strawberry_________I understand economics

___________________________when I eat ollalaberry jam for

and stained my new______________________________breakfast

silk Family Bargain Center blouse________and the seeds attack me for dinner.

 

I understand_______________I understand that these strawberry fields

that lettuce fields______________________________ are forever but,

appear straight and become__________________don't make songs

crooked as they make monies___________or are made into them.

 

I understand artichokes

when they refuse

to undress,

so we could

see

only their heart.

 

Since you are the Virgin's ugly brother,

I understand

that she comes to visit you on oaks and through people

because she can't stand you

in person.