Latin America: My Little Burro

Next to the ox that pulls his plow, the Mexican peon's most valued possession is his wistful little burro. Last week, the sturdy little beast that carries the nation's backland freight, causes many of its automobile accidents, adorns its literature and enriches its profanity, supplied the theme for the song leading Mexico's hit parade. It was called My Little Burro Doesn't Want to Go, and it was written by a young man named Ventura Romero who had never ridden a burro in his life.

In the rhythmic patter of a burro's feet, mariachis (street singers), gathered around café tables, tell the story.

I've...

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