Yo manifiesto that the sounds of the border continue to ricochet between my ears. The merolicos of Mexico City have followed me north and have set up their folding tables at the MacArthur Park subway entrance and yell the pochteca chants of commerce that have been ringing up and down the Americas for thousands of years.

Listen to the border. What sound does it make?

Listen to the freeway hum, what message do you hear?

Forget the images of maids, brown skinned politicians and blond crossover Mexican singers. Close your eyes. Listen to the sounds skipping down the sidewalk. Listen to the consonance and alliteration of the people walking past you.

The Muslim father in East Hollywood tells his son: "God gave you two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak."