The first day of first grade,
three pencils & a set
of hands I found in my hair.
I’m sure something was whispered
in Spanish, O language
in which there is no word
to describe me with grace.
Let’s play a game, called
My school so Mexican,
the entire third grade was required to sing & dance
a Selena medley for our parents.
My school so Mexican,
we sold Hot Cheetos with nacho cheese at fundraisers.
My school so Mexican,
principal took my mama to the office,
told her my hair was “outlandish.”
My school so Mexican,
I’m the only one
who look like me.