The Poetry Thursday traveling roadshow

This poem is a first draft effort that grew from a free writing assignment in my poetry workshop. Thoughtful critiques are welcomed.

Second draft now appears below

Bordertown

Welcome to my border town world.
Dusty and dry, dark music and crazed taxis,
Narrow alleyways packed with piñatas,
Colors invite and entice.
Hanging sombreros, marble chess sets, BARGAINS
everywhere.
Donkey carts - “Hey! Peekchurs, CHEAP!”

My weekly visit leads me to panaderias, mercados, and carnicerias
I am known by the locals AS
a local. I am untouchable.
Helping hands, not groping hands
keep me safe.
Smells follow me and lead me on,
Sour, sweet, spicy and foul.

Hovels and mansions living side by side
Barrios and Jai Alai – homes of
Poverty and MONEY.
Smoke hangs like a pall
Over frenzied, sun-battered streets.

Sailors on leave. college boys prowling.
Men ogling, women distaining.
Turistas abound.
Midwest visitors wide-eyed in a foreign land.
Sex-seeking visitors score
“Hey! Pretty girls. VIRGINS!”
As orphanages spring up housing the offspring
of $5.00 for 15 minutes hotels.