Guacamole Sauce

Raoul’s 2 Cents. August 14, 2026

Poetry Night

I listened to poetry readings at an art gallery in a predominantly Mexican community. It was curiosity that pushed me to attend because I had never been to a poetry session before. However, I didn’t expect to be immersed in so much Mexican culture. I saw a side of Mexican Americans I had never noticed before. Their pride for their humble roots reminded me of the Filipino culture which (like Mexico) was greatly influenced by cruel Spanish colonialism for 300 years.

The emcee was a tall 300 pounder who announced it was his birthday to the cheers of the crowd: “Since it’s my birthday, I can do anything I want.” He wasn’t kidding. He started the ball rolling with 20 minutes of his own poetry … at least that’s what he called it. In fact, 75% of the evening’s so-called “poets” put words together that didn’t sound like poetry to my critical mind. They were thought patterns in prose disguised as poetry. Maybe I’m old school but poems (in my book) should rhyme or should follow a certain discipline … a pattern or a cadence. Edgar Alan Poe, Robert Frost, Shakespeare — their works are poetry. The disciplined 17-syllabled Japanese Haiku is poetry. Even song lyrics can be poetry — just like the works of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Sondheim. Poems should tickle my creativity and make me marvel at the craftsmanship of word combinations. Do you agree? Amateurs should call it “prose” but not “poetry.” No need to elevate their word collection to what it is not.

It was mostly amateur night for 3 hours. One reader after the other recited their favorite original poems in their vastly different styles and personalities. Quite a few of these “closet writers” never even made eye contact with the audience. You could tell they pushed themselves to go up on stage. I do applaud their determination.

It wasn’t a total loss. There were some good presenters.

• One lady who had lived in Indonesia for 2 years danced Indonesian style as she delivered her piece about losing her favorite sandals. I confess I was mesmerized by her gracefulness.
• Another guy, a young father, talked about his name. He got his name from his Dad whom he had never met. He could have changed his insignificant name but he was determined to make something of himself so his name would begin a new meaning for generations to come. (Sounds like an article I wrote a few weeks ago — he even had the same title).
• There was an accomplished author who had written a few self-published books. Her poems were in English and in Spanish. It was obvious she had command of the language. Her final piece was political. She hated the establishment and especially how ICE was snatching her people. I may not fully agree with all she said but I can certainly empathize with her frustration.
• A bald-headed homosexual shared the prejudices and the difficulty of coming out. He is happy that there is less hostility now. He enjoys celebrating in gay parades but he knows he will never be fully accepted. He believes that full acceptance will only come when he gets to heaven. Hmmm.
• One young lady said she attends a Protestant church. In her next breath she said she had a live-in partner. Another hmmm.
• “And now a word from our sponsor!” — An elderly muralist went onstage. But instead of reciting a poem, he bragged about landing a mural job. Hmmmm.

Note to self: Never give the mic to an emcee celebrating his birthday. This guy shared more than I cared to hear. He called his whole family to go up on stage and introduced each one (including his mother). Nice family but … really? Well, at least he was proud of his family.

Then it dawned on me that I was an outsider in a private party. Everyone was familiar with everyone else. I was a gate-crashing snob! Who was I to criticize their culture? Who was I to impose my standards on them? These people were sharing their creativity in their own way. They understood each other. I was viewing America from their vantage. Suddenly, the dreary black and white movie switched to an admiration for the marvelous colors of their culture as the Pocohontas song played in my head.

As this mini-AGT (America’s Got Talent) was coming to a close, I thought it was time to leave. But the emcee told me that a band was the finale of the evening. Music! Oooh … I stayed for that.

Three men went up on stage dragging their instruments – a huge stand up bass guitar, a regular guitar, and a washboard percussion thingamajig. The lead singer introduced the band in his deep guttural voice. Then they sang some old obscure country song which reminded me of Johnny Cash. Not really my style but they were good. After their first rendition, they said (since we loved it so much) they would be doing more songs from the 40s and 50s. Excuse me? Country Music Oldies in a Mexican Cowboy style?!?! No way, Jose! That’s when I darted out the exit. There’s only so much diversity lessons a stranger can take in one day. Hasta la vista, baby!

TGIF people!

Quotes of the Week

“Más vale llegar tarde que feo.”
Translation: Better to arrive late than ugly.
— Anonymous

“Our diversity is our strength. What a dull and pointless life it would be if everyone was the same. “
— Angelina Jolie

“When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.”
— Ava DuVernay

“They laugh at me because I’m different. I laugh at them because they’re all the same.”
— Kurt Cobain

“Some people are wise. Some people are … otherwise.”
— Anonymous

“So many people these days are too judgmental. I can tell just by looking at them.”
— Anonymous

“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
— Isaiah 49:3

“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.”
— Lamentations 3:32

Video of the Week : James Bond 0070

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Memes of the Week

Send me your jokes & memes so I could share them with the rest of our TGIF family.
This week, we thank Art of Sierra Madre, CA, Norm of Encino CA, Barbara of Colorado, Kevin of Tennessee and Donna of NYC.

I found these:

I collaborated with my friend and jokester,Terry Cassel for these below.

SUBSCRIBE to the TGIF Weekly email blast. Be the first to receive the Jokes of the week.