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Somewhere Along Our Southern Border

Somewhere along our southern border A child cries for her mama tonight, and She does not know where Papa has gone She thought the long journey had ended Weeks ago, when freedom was in sight. Crying, she lies alone on a silver pallet Encircled by children she does not know Somewhere along our southern border. No one explains to them what is going on She does not comprehend the reasons why Mama and Papa have not come for her. None of the children understand why They are kept in wired cages like chickens Somewhere along our southern border Wondering when Mama and Papa will come.

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Thomas Wells

Date: 11/13/2020 9:58:00 AM

This poem brings one directly and intimately involved in a tragic human story which is the result of government policy. The strength of the poem is that it forces the reader to examine their own values. One either recognizes the injustice or they must find some way to justify it. Nicely done! Keep writing!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/16/2020 6:56:00 PM

Thanks for your very meaningful comments, Thomas. I appreciate them.

Joseph Page

Date: 11/13/2020 2:42:00 AM

I have to agree that gives me a visual thought of sadness. However, I'm sure they were told why they are there and where mama and papa are, if mama and papa didn't just leave them there. I'm trying to figure out how these kiddies understand what freedom means but don't understand why they were stopped at the boarder and placed in dog cages built during the Obama era. Regardless, these kiddies are treated as if they were Americans, while some kids in America are starving. That makes me sad...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/16/2020 6:57:00 PM

Joseph, you and I are probably not on the same page, but I want you to know that I appreciate your having read my poem and your response to it. Thanks so much.