Chapin City Blues

but the symbol suffered
one hundred years of decay
climbing up to the spined crown,
the fractured torch hand,
the ruptured intestines,
palms blistered and calloused,
feet embroidered in rust,
centennial decays,
the lady’s eyes,
cataract filled, exposed
to sun and snow, a salty wind,
discolored verses staining her robe.

Tato Laviera was a Nuyorican poet whose works explored themes of immigration and transcultural identity. He published several collections poetry including AmeRícan and La Carreta Made a U-Turn. His complete work of poetry can be found in pages of Bendición: The Complete Poetry of Tato Laviera.