Tucson

somewhere on the South side,

an hombre says, "No podemos comer este noche, hijos. Lo siento."

and somwhere in the depths of La Encantada mall,

some peroxide blonde says, "Daddy, pleeeeeaaase can I get it?"

plastic swiped

a new Gucci purse has a home

tears shed

six children go to bed hungry

because a man is too proud to accept a job as a dishwasher

in a fancy restaurant for three dollars an hour less than the white man next to him

he'll go back tomorrow and accept that job

the cries of his children ringing in his ears

Somewhere on the North side,

a well to-do white man straightens his tie,

kisses his wife goodbye

grabs a muffin and his travel mug of coffee

and heads to his office mid-town in his newly washed Lexus

Somewhere on the South side,

an hombre puts on his best collared shirt,

already a little stained from the last time he wore it

kisses his wife goodbye

and walks out to the nearest bus stop

to wait for the bus already running late