Sunnyside: II

Before Juan’s mother left
following the second Manuel’s
demise, Irene Castenada
became pregnant.
Floyce Alexander wrote
in the Londres and Irene stayed
in the Ibero. She wanted his child.
He said he would give up writing
if she would abort the fetus.
She didn’t want him to stop.
He kept on writing . . . secretly?
That’s why he kept the room
apart. Manuela Roma
drove them to the aeropuerto
finally. Floyce wanted to stay.
So did Irene, but she wanted to go
back to Seattle. She found a doctor
who counted herself a benefactor
of beautiful young women like Irene.
When Floyce wanted to change his mind
Irene told the doctor to go ahead.
Love was cold when it was shaky.
How long had they loved,
two years, three . . . He left Seattle
to drive her home. Her father and mother
waited on the Rattlesnake Range
ten miles from Sunnyside, the little town
whose city limits sign announced,
Here is the hometown of Sally Ride,
America’s first female astronaut.

(18 July 2011)

copyright 2011 by Floyce Alexander