Diego Rivera's Flower Carrier

Diego Rivera’s Flower Carrier My load to carry is backbreaking, But this I must do to feed my family. Down on all fours on the ground, I pray For fairness in barter and my safe return home From this capitalist enterprise I am engaging in. My basket is laden to overflowing the brim With the most beautiful flowers in all the land. My woman helps me to my feet to begin The journey to the mercado to sell our flores. She, too, is strong like me, with strong hands. Together, for survival and comfort in this life, We labour, leaning on each other as a pillar Through the impending toils of daily grind. In quiet rectitude, we are satisfied knowing That our Lord and Saviour Jesucristo will provide. We pick the flowers at their peak When the colours are their brightest And their scents are the most invigorating. One by one, we gently lay them In the cesta de mimbre. With every step and breath I take, Their fragrances fill my nostrils, And the unbearable becomes bearable, Bringing relief to my aching back And sandal-shodden feet. How can I ask for more? When I return, the joy on my family’s faces For the money received from the sale Provides the strength I require To do this task over and over again Until I am departed. *** Notes: “Diego Rivera’s Flower Carrier” is an ekphrastic poem based on the painting "The Flower Carrier" (1935) by Diego Rivera (1886–1957). mercado: market flores: flowers Jesucristo: Jesus Christ cesta de mimbre: wicker basket.