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In Old California 7
Was gold cross over alter fake or real?
Must be a metal made resembling gold.
T'was fake young lady's mind did surely feel,
not right apse having gold cross real to hold.
This so until then otherwise was told.
Her father wore cross gold on chain affixed
around neck, neath "camisa" white, not bold.
When wife did scold, prayers, oaths then he admixed.
Now lady wanted mother's friendship healed.
Was three years convent penance time enough?
In whisper she gives lines heart holds concealed:
" Mamacita, why did you make me do that?
I loved the gringo and he wanted to marry me.
‘Twas right.In sight of God, Mamacita,
‘twas right! I'm an old woman now. Eighteen's
too old.No one'll want me. Please don't make me
marry Arracho now that I've returned home.
He was bald when I was sent away - what's
he like now? Just because Arracho owns
Rancho de Plata isn't reason for me to marry him,
is it? Mamacita, can't you see that's wrong? Pedro,"
she directed thoughts to her older brother.
"You're mother's favorite. Holy Virgin, since
birth you've taken best of everything. You can
do what you want and there's no monastery for you."
Copyright ©
Alfred Berggren
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