Mother’s ‘53 Plymouth
seemed like the Mayflower

in an ocean of caliche dust
& clay like rusty sand

Hulking across Texas roads
Two lanes to Laredo

South to the border
Down Mexico way

2,000 lbs. of solid gray steel
Steering wheel as big

as a tractor’s
Inside wide as a tank

Mother shifting gears at 5 a.m.
on black top highway

Gripping the chrome hoop
with all her might

Gritting her fist for a smooth
Ride with Burma Shave signs

dotting the 3-hour drive
marking cactus & cattle

to make good time
We knew we were close

when Mexican radio
stole the show

Todo en barata
Precios de ganga

Everything for sale
Price tags hung on air

Reverb raving DJs
Pitchmen sealing deals

Charming you al otro lado the other side
With dollar saving steals

Amá pouring café
Into a thermos cup

Brother & I peeling
Tacos wrapped in foil

We knew we were near
When the Border Town drive-in

Came through like the Rock of
Gibraltar out of a dense fog

& Mother sighed in gratitude
We’re here