Echo Park

 

I could see the look in their eyes

that twisted look

just want to kick us around

not wanting us dead

 

ordered to look away

I glanced at the lake

the ducks

the palm trees

 

"We don't care if you are from nowhere!"

 

one took out a shiny blade

Click!

slicing into face, skin, nerve endings, muscle tissue

 

never heard the sound of cut flesh

   

in seconds it was over

my friend was marred, shook so violently.  

 

I picked him up

slow motion

stunned

as they removed

the shotgun from my temple

 

speeding away in their van

flashing their signs, giggling

"Pinche pendejos!".

 

   

2-28-2002  9:59pm

 

(c)Copyright 2002. All Rights Reserved

 

Street Life