Community Improvement Poem by Roger Gerald Hicks

My Mexican amigo thinks
heaven is a place
of unlimited spray paint
and endless walls blank
as a gringo's mind.

He craves a canvas
long as the China wall
and just as high.
He'd paint both sides
working night and day
even learn Chinese
for the opportunity.

This Chicano hung over
I-405 in the damp air
early this morning-
painted 514 in Michelin
man gray letters
his tan arms tattooed
dark hair falling
toward the cars
and trucks
passing beneath.

Chica's beeped their horns
for an hombre
with such talent-
huevos si grandes-
so fine & handsome
His Madre
so hopeful and proud.