her Tijuana hacienda bursts with warm oranges and reds.
pops of vibrant yellows peek from among her rich blooms.
leafy green accents cool down the shiny petals so bright
she is the heart of our neighborhood, a haven of one kind
we greet others on her steps, and sit down to listen and learn
a hacienda that has converted neighbors into very good friends
Okay good people, time for some giggles
To maintain my smiley countenance
Could it be I was born to spread laughter
To brighten each day per chance
If that's true, I take this honour seriously
Every day I'll try giving it my best
Spreading sunshine with uplifting words
Roaring and beating my chest
One thing I've realized in all my long years
Each day is an absolute treasure
We must always maintain a positive outlook
This joy is impossible to measure
So now you know what makes this guy tick
Quite simply, no hidden agenda
Just getting through from point A to B
While maintaining my happy hacienda
A handsome hacienda down San Fernando way,
Whose curled sunburned tiles once gleamed from Apollo’s rays
Was home to gentle farmers who worked their crops each day;
And slept in peace while brown night hawks would flirt and play.
Furrowed flowing lines full of fruits and crops, row on row
By workers in torn jeans, with strong hands, made to grow;
Clearing weeds, harvesting as soon as they were able;
To fill up trucks to haul crops for waiting tables.
Big wheels rolled progress in bringing asphalt and cement.
Bold builders paid out cash to further their intent
To turn land beyond agricultural revisions
And erect malls, high rises and subdivisions.
The nurturing life of dirty hands in days of yore
Left for bountiful crops of Valley Girls galore.
Okay good people, time for some giggles
To maintain my smiley countenance
Could it be I was born to spread laughter
To brighten each day per chance
If that's true, I take this honour seriously
Every day I'll try giving it my best
Spreading sunshine with uplifting words
Roaring and beating my chest
One thing I've realized in all my long years
Each day is an absolute treasure
We must always maintain a positive outlook
This joy is impossible to measure
So now you know what makes this guy tick
Quite simply, no hidden agenda
Just getting through from point A to B
While maintaining my happy hacienda
© Jack Ellison 2015
There once was a woman named Linda
Who would keep a clean hacienda
Till four children she bore
And then bore she one more...
She now has a different agenda!
Timothy I. Brumley