Mandi Ortiz
Si, si, Mandi Ortiz was for me a Seniorita
Who could see past a man's faults.
Into the worth of his quivering heart.
She was Mexico herself:
Varied, wild, nurtured, blessed.
Like a man at sea yearning for home
I longed to be near her --
To know her peace,
To smell her soft skin,
To inhale her moist breath.
On a warm, butterfly day
We found our way to Sorento
A tavern worn black with use.
But Fate put us on different paths,
So we missed the common road
Of shared joys and pleasures bold.
I arrived in the morning,
Ate, and turned east.
Mandi Ortiz arrived at noon
To feast on potatoes and beef.
While reaching for her pint,
Laughing and joking all around,
She propped against the bar
And found ways to cheer all,
Both man and beast.
The mastiff bitch wagged her heavy tail,
So Mandi tossed the dog a chunk of bread
And said, "It's time to go west to Los Mochis.”
Oh, if I could break Fate's grip,
And could slip a ring on her narrow finger,
Then riding the fastest horse to Los Mochis
I would marry her there.
And daily on my knee, I would thank God
For the glee and the heat
Of that fun-loving Seniorita
That sweet, honey Mandi Ortiz.