East Dallas Barrio

I was a stranger in a culture so very different from all that I had ever known, still, I fell in love with the barrio immediatly. I remember tangy flavors of Tabasco sauce, "Cholula" the most popular brand my tastebuds tantalized, rice and beans and the smell of corn flour tortillas still warm. Young men covered with jailhouse tattoos of saints, The Virgin of Guadalupe. Young women in tight jeans, high heels, scarlet lipstick and black eyeliner a must. Bandanas too, either red or navy. And music, music everywhere from cars, cantinas, homes, boomboxes carried on the streets. Such a captivating beat, made for dancing lulling all to their feet even me, the "gringa" without rhythm. These are the tunes that invade the soul and transport one to emotional poles- the mournful melodies of betrayl and drinking songs with their melancholy wailing. But then too, lively canciones de amor- full of joy uplifting even the most jaded. The tropical sounds are played loud cumbia and salsa mariachi and merengue and there are the voices of the barrio serenaders Emanuel Juan Gabriel and the one they call, "El Puma". I haven't forgotten those places that I'd frequent... the open air market filled with the earth's bounty like a cornucopia- mounds of plump melons and sweetly succulent fruits papayas and pomegranates mangos and guavas avocados too, for making guacamole and the array of peppers fiery ingredients for Mexican dishes: Habanero, serano, guero, bola and chili. The mercado- a kaleidoscope of guadiness and on the same street corner a mission, with a sign in the shape of a cross- proclaiming "Jesus Saves". Now I think, Dallas was another world and though the years have dragged, there are some memories that will never leave me, they remain forever in this mind that cannot forget. Time and distance will not tarnish images, feelings faces and voices pierce my memories intensifying -a bitterness caused by loss- the loss of lovers and friends and most of all youth, missed opportunities. It is a regret that gnaws at me, emerging at the oddest moments- midnight, early dawn, it is a shameless thief denying me my peace. Such are my memories both acrid and sweet of East Dallas 1983. *Barrio- Hispanic neighborhood Canciones de amor- Songs of love.