In Los Angeles

Ash smog robs the sky of its blue
In Los Angeles
The buildings have become metallic mountains
Towering over the city to remind us
We are home
In Los Angeles
Many Mayans and Aztecs
On our hands and knees praying
To foreign gods
We still remember
We are home
In Los Angeles
Concrete covered lollipops are sold
With a pack of cigarettes
Children play with pistols on the playground
A strange blend of deep cultural richness
And corporate madness
That creates
Gangsters and teachers
Corrupt politicians and their police lackeys
Drug dealing poets know
A tender kiss is poison
In Los Angeles
Lost her face amongst the crowd
The robins on the rooftops at 5 in the morning
Singing their praise for the oncoming sunrise
Grandma’s rough hands over mine as we recite the rosary
Before she flew away she taught me
Hope exists
Light resists
Love persists
In Los Angeles