the faces in the crowd

i was surrounded by beautiful people last night.
they were squeezed tight in a circle at the park with the
darkening sky above and the lake behind them to the north.


they held a prayer in one hand and a candle
in the other, raising it and calling out "si se puede" over and
over again. it can be done. it can be done.

i saw young faces, unlined and innocent looking
up at older faces. dark brown eyes wide, looking in
all directions and wondering. just wondering. why. for what.

and old faces, hardened by the sun and hard work. faces
wrinkled through time and the elements. conviction in their eyes.
understanding in their eyes. their voices rang out in prayer and spiritual song.

in unison, they all raised the white candles. the sky kept darkening.
the clouds thickened. the streaks of orange disappeared from the sky.

scattered throughout was the color white. shirts and pants and hats.
a sea of white, like a beacon of light, lit up the crowd. it was for unity.
for solidarity.

the sky kept darkening. the candle flames illuminated, defined the crowd.

those eyes, hopeful, full of strength. knowing. wanting.
those faces, so beautiful, together, a common goal, unity,

"que bellos son los ojos de la gente; dejame tocarlos ojos que han visto
so soles de manana y de tardiada. dejame tocar las caras llenas de linas del trabajo duro. que bellas las caras esas. quiero tener esas caras en mis brazos."