Ubaldo, 50
Incarcerated: 22 years
Housed: California Medical Facility, Vacaville, California
American Me
As a child I hid inside of myself
My allies books & homework, it took
Me a while shift & whirl English.
I laughed at all my mistakes
My American dream had hazel eyes,
Blond long straight hair & she can sing.
The elegance in which the lead alter boy
Strolled in front of the priest holding the
Crucifix, before & after mass was
Never rehearsed.
My prayers & dreams were like laughter &
Sadness; My superheroes Charles Bronson &
Bruce Lee.
I collected pennies that hid & relaxed under
Cushions on living room sofas, they became
Nickels, dimes, & quarters: they bought me
Gum, candy, big stick ice creams, & grab bags.
Saving quarters became dollars in due time
They bought me 45’s, Lp’s, cassettes, & posters.
In my dreams her & I sang little lies, Sara,
The chain, & stand back.
“Money stinks it’s dirty” mamita would say
“Wash Your Hands & don’t let it manipulate you”
As I got older I couldn’t resist.