What does this poem mean?

  • melissa
    12 years ago

    N

  • Jordan
    12 years ago

    The poet is recanting stories that his coworkers, Dan, Rich, Prince, and Larry told him at some point. Dan was an, Irishman...maybe he was involved in gang violence, but he was definitely the victim of it:

    "Told how, inside, you heat a sharpened Bic
    and a guy carves DannyBoy or Norteano on your neck"

    I think there's a typo there. The Nortenos (no A) are a widely organized Mexican-American street gang.

    Prince was given an assault rifle and fatigues, probably sent into combat in Liberia.

    Rich spoke of raising children and of being a skinhead - perhaps involved in some neo-nazi activity. I can't find any resources but my guess is that "Sudeanos" are another group of Mexican-Americans. Perhaps immigrants?

    From what Larry told him, my guess is that he was a drug addict.

    The end is just him reflecting on what he was told.

    So...yeah...that's MY take on it. Hope that helps! :D