A Poem by Moon Sánchez-Brand
My neighbors told me the “gringos” will hate on me
I didn’t want to leave the land of my people
To travel for months in constant fear for my children’s lives
But my heavy-hearted mother said, “GO…before the takers take everything.”
It would have cut me to watch them take from my children.
My mother stood up for me…then, I stood and walked.
Because I’m a woman, the journey tried to use me and my babies.
I prayed to God and the Angels to pathfind before me
And keep me perpetually alert of the swimming piranha among us.
Then, I said, “PUT THE CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CARAVAN.”
The walkers said, “YES…of course!”
The caravan stood up for me…then, I stood and led.
Over the rivers and across the bridges…I am here…and, I’m not here.
Some uniform thugs seem to enjoy my humiliation…others look away
Perhaps because they remember that time in church when they felt something.
From behind the dog cage, I begged, “Please, help me…my children are sick.”
Finally, one heroic soul waved me out before the others saw.
A uniform stood up for me…then, I stood and breathed.
Estados Unidos/United States…I will follow all your senseless rules
And you will, eventually, see my value and praise my children
I could move forward alone, but it feels so precious when a 5-foot-5-inch shield
Carrying a pink baby is present to witness my strenuous, demanding process
“Why?” I asked. She sweetly replied, “I’m here in support of a sister.”
A “gringa” stood up for me…then, I stood and believed.
