An Immigrant Mother's Lament
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Sometimes I wonder what it's like being a parent who's child has been taken away. Quite an awful feeling!
When we arrived at the U.S. border as a family
We were far from welcomed in, we were made an example of
Ripped apart by ICE-cold border patrol officers. Our cries
Fell on deaf ears. I have no idea where you are at the moment
We're now thousands of miles part because of
The "zero-tolerance" policy of the Trump administration
Baby, tonight I'll sing a lullaby for you to help ease your
Debilitating loneliness. I pray that you'll sleep through the night
I pray that this bad of ours will be flipped upside down. I pray that
I'll someway bridge the distance between us. Be rest assured that
This unjust separation is only temporary. The situation you
Currently find yourself in is not of your making
I need to know you're alright wherever you are
My child. They should've detained us together!
Each day, each night, I cry, like I heard you cry
The last time I saw you. This grave injustice
Befell us because your father and I had no choice
But to flee our native country to avoid persecution
Why did ICE choose to deport us, but hold you captive
Somewhere in America? We should've been deported as a family!
We came to America in peace, not to commit a crime.
All we wanted was political asylum; a brighter future for us
For you; a better place to live, to raise you in. Is this
What "The American Dream" looks like?
All we wanted was a chance to be good, law-abiding citizens
Since when is seeking asylum so bad we had to be
Torn asunder like this? Is this cruelty necessary? It fills me
With dread imagining you fenced in, eating scant meals
Sleeping on concrete in overcrowded cells with open toilets
What kind of madness is this? Aren't we immigrants human beings, too?
Baby, I know the nights are especially long, and I doubt
You sleep though it these days.I don't sleep much myself
But my waking hours are filled with hope for our eventual
Reunification. A judge has given us hope. Some separated
Families are whole again. I pray that our own family will
Be sooner than later
Each night, I'll sing a lullaby for you to help you sleep
Through the lonely nights. It seems like it was only
Yesterday that I was cradling you in my arms, lulling you
To sleep as I crooned softly into your ear. I need you to
Hear my voice again now more than ever. Hopefully, you'll
Drift into sleep with some piece of mind
Baby, tonight I'll sing a lullaby for you
I'll sing it loud enough hoping you'll hear it
In the blowing wind. I just want you to sleep
Peacefully as though you were a baby again
If I had wings, I would fly off to find you
Your Daddy and I miss you so much
Date written and posted: 07/21/2018
Copyright © Edward Ibeh | Year Posted 2018
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