Gallo Rojo

Dedicated to Carlos, Dad, Michael, and Adam Luckydog, my fellow social dreamers.
18 agosto 2008

Tonight, I remember “Che,” and smile.
Carlos and I had another
Conversation.
Religion, politics,
Jesús of the pesebre
Jesús of Los Diques,
Jesús of the Pescadores
And of the Cobardes
Of the prostitutas
Y los indigentes.
Jesús de los ciegos.
Jesús of the lepers.

Carlos was impressed.
Me, too.

My Jesús is a man of social conscience.

My Jesús was not of temples
and diamantes
and crystalized altars
Jesús of el barrio
y de las casas—
allí en el precario.
This Jesús has the power
to capture the social imagination
of two restless youth
tired of consumerism´s claws.
Over cups of café con leche
con el sonar de la lluvia al fondo
We contextualized—
both my logic and my need
to see my studies
through Tico eyes
and the Christ of the Gospels.
We brought Him to Costa Rica—
Put Him in the precario, en el barrio—
Where He will change
This broken world
With our own hands.
With our hands.
With our hands.
Tonight I remember “Che.”
I wish I could share
this hopeful vision
with his tired, burning heart.
It is not too late.
Carlos will do.