The Puerto Rican Day Parade

The Puerto Rican Day Parade
Took over mid-Manhattan.
It was a celebration of
A culture we’d call Latin.

The crowds converged to stroll and march,
Bandanas by the dozens;
In red and white and blue they strode
With nephews, nieces, cousins.

They blew their horns (ay mi, the noise!)
And waved their flags and banners,
Not caring if some local folk
Might mind their boisterous manners.

A thousand policemen on patrol
Made sure that all was civil;
And tourists soaked it up, amazed,
Their gazes all a’swivel.

Though every group deserves to have
Its special marching day,
I think next year I’ll do my best
To try and stay away.