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Pondering a Desert, a Proposed Wall and Skeletons, Not a Poem

a walk through the organ pipe 
cactus fields along
a contentious boundary

a place called Mexico on one side, 
a collection of semi-independent States
on the other

Barrels of water with spigots
preaching survival
placed at intervals by
good samaritans

hoards of armed guards
roving in every mechanized
contraption imaginable

illegal immigrant skeletons
are collected frequently,
four in the last few days 
within a ten mile radius of where 
I sit, comfortable and secure,
well-coffeed, well-fed and complacent.

What inspires people to attempt
crossing a very hostile environment
with slim chance of survival
to reach a place where folks
seem so unhappy and fearful?

Why are the unhappy and fearful,
extremely blessed, well-coffeed, 
well-fed and complacent people 
so resistant to helping folks 
risking their lives in such a fashion?

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John Fleming Date: 1/7/2017 12:56:00 PM A thought-provoking poem that is typical of many suchlike situations in this world today. Global integration is a laudable thing; but until all men are born moderate and tolerant it will just be an ideal...Not, most regrettably, a reality. Nicely penned, Lf...Nicely penned! All the best - Cheers! :) john Login to Reply Lim'Rik Flats Date: 1/8/2017 8:29:00 AM Thanks for your thoughts John. I didn't know I still had an idealistic bone, but close exposure to the situation here has shivered me timbers.

Rico Leffanta Date: 1/5/2017 1:24:00 PM Consider the plight of the Tohono O'odham whose native land stretches from Arizona into Mexico, yet despite the Treaty, the USA has illegally installed walls, fences, and checkpoints requiring families and clans to have passports just to return home for supper in their own sovereign nation! Just another example of a Congress "for the people"! Login to Reply Lim'Rik Flats Date: 1/7/2017 9:45:00 AM Yes, Rico, generous first peoples gave to the Euros and paid dearly for their hospitality. Of course they did not have a concept of "land ownership" to begin with. Sad, but true. Thanks for reading my thoughts and sharing yours. ~ john

Chris Green Date: 1/5/2017 11:35:00 AM The grass is always greener on the other side. People are risking their lives to come across the river to the land of plenty, while many here are looking to move below the border because they don't like the person who was elected president. I guess it depends on which grass you are looking at. This was dark and deep and definitely brings to light once again the plight of those fleeing. Nicely done. Login to Reply Lim'Rik Flats Date: 1/7/2017 9:42:00 AM Thanks for stopping by Chris. Sadly, there are no easy Political solutions, but I have since learned what I may legally do to render humanitarian aid if confronted with the opportunity. To me the desert is a playground, to them it is a life or death gamble.

Tim Smith Date: 1/5/2017 10:34:00 AM When the risk is low and the rewards high chances are taken. Everyone wants to be well fed...We just need an opportunity Login to Reply Lim'Rik Flats Date: 1/7/2017 9:27:00 AM I sincerely hope we Americans will resolve our fears and return to compassionate concern for the less fortunate.