Pachucos Stance 1943
80th anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots

Raven locks slicked back and groomed
Tailored pants and sleeves ballooned
The pride and rebel cause exhumed
Confusion at Sleepy Lagoon
.
Racism on a hate-filled mission
Sailors roam without permission
Violence forged with no submission
Law enforcement’s oath rescission
.
Zoot Suiters strong defend their roots
Fuel the flames of street disputes
White supremacy in cahoots
The accusations we must refute
.
Neighbors of a foreign land
Migration labor in demand
We march together to withstand
Our sense of style they seek to ban
.
Labeled as unpatriotic
Riots ignite assumed chaotic
The Barrios are held hypnotic
Soldiers thirst for blood psychotic
.
The Black Community at our side
No mob oppressors could divide
Bigotry prejudice collide
Lynch mob fury will not subside
.
The fabric stripped and boys abused
Set ablaze no chance to choose
A sense of justice a simple ruse
A ticking bomb we can’t diffuse
.
Pachuco’s in a Jaguar stance
The pool rooms or the local dance
In search of love perhaps romance
The history of our blood enhanced
.
Dangling chains of watch precision
Segregation forced division
Exposure like a “Y” incision
American dream or off to prison
.
The suit of which is truly regal
Freedom like a soaring eagle
Lost within the codes of penal
Obnoxiously, they’re still illegal




Comments (1)
Historically accurate and great story-telling. You always impress me with your writing style.