Patron's now kind words flooded foreman's brain -
such praise from Mayor High, much grandiose!
" I'm sorry, Senor Huerra, you couldn't attend
the party I gave her last week in her honor.
Margarita's been home three weeks."
" I was in Santa Barbara, Alcalde, and only
arrived back yesterday. As soon as I heard the
good news of Margarita's arrival, I came to
Peralta as rapidly as possible. I hope you'll
forgive any unintentional discourtesy. Missing
your party lies heavy on my heart."
"Enough said about that, Don Huerra. Will you and
your vaquero honor me by dining with us tonight?"
"It would be my pleasure, Alcalde. It's often said
that to be Don Jose Hernandez's guest is to know fullest
happiness."
"Very good, senor. Your pun's well taken."
"Sometimes such absurdities slip out, Alcalde. Forgive me.
At Peralta the combers break but low,
and boats do carry mates ashore with ease.
Yet they are safe since waves are no big foe.
The harbor's deep and wide with gentle breeze;
in winter, weather's mild - there's no raw freeze.
Soft rain falls gently, seen without a force,
and people show short sleeves on streets, such please.
Religious holidays abound of course.
Hernandez's Peralta's alcalde high,
all people say his rule and sway are fine.
The shipping line's alcalde's own and nigh
to shore and hide house underneath his sign.
Cow hides must be kept clean of salty brine,
and wait for place within a vessel's hold.
From sign to shore there's sandy steep incline
to to place where water's free of spray that's cold.