Don Moi

Coyote comes a’ knocking

On the chicken coup,

            “Here pollo!

                        “Here pollo!

Come on out and play!”

 

A modern day Moses

With a rotten streak,

            Hook ‘em on!

                        Reel ‘em in!

Ask ‘em how they want to pay.

 

Swear to part the sandy ocean

Of deadly Desolation,

            Passage bought,

                        Loans all set,

Threats to family that stayed.

 

Throw them to Los Polleros

Let them burn in the sun.

            Keep them close!

                        Herd them on!

Keep the vultures at bay.

 

A trap of vicious substance

For the desperate and brave.

            One by one,

                        They all fall,

None survive the Devil’s Highway.

Author's Note

This was inspired by the book "The Devil's Highway" by Luis Urrea, which is about Mexican immigration into the United States, and a specific, tragic case. Comments? Suggestions?

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you have done this well, in my estimation...because you made it universal...

this could be about many different things...we get tempted, we get a sense of false security...then we find we have given ourselves to the devil's workings...we have fallen into some kind of trap...

much like the journey in the bible...we are led...but in this case, to slaughter...

absorbing piece, Ashira..

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks so much Jacob, I am glad you liked it.

[Susan Beth Horvath]

this is a very powerful and poignant write. I am impressed

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you Susan.

[Avinash]

The Font style itself leaves a horrific trail on its way, and the words only confirm the fear. Don't share it to kids. But I really loved the way it unfolded.

[Rene Salinas]

Great stuff! not my kind of thing so I had to do a little research. What a story! 26 destinies only 12 survive surely that already more than enough right? So much so apparently border patrol dears not to stake presence as Who would be so reckless to attempt it? The interesting aspect of your words intentionally or unintentionally are found through intensity. I was left with the question; Is it really a certainty that their life will be better once they cross that deadly border? There is beauty to be found in the agressive notes of the words, a tinge of satire even ? Maybe. Clever use of Spanish as well to impregnate the writing with Atmosphere.

Muchas Gracias.

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you for reading this one Rene, and researching it as well. I am reading the book currently, and am not very far, but so far it is appalling. We often see the Border Control as the bad guys, but I am starting to see that it is the Coyotes that really have the evil intent. You are correct, there is a bit of satire in here, very well spotted. Thanks again!

[Cryingkate]

Oh wow Thank you for the Author's notes. I was able to just read it with understanding and not have to guess what it was about.

I am so glad you wrote about this. The horror scenes play thru my subconscious mind all the time of what is happening out there.
It somehow seems too unreal, but it isn't. How can man do this to man?

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you Kate for reading this one. I am learning about it now in more depth in my English class through this book, and it is absolutely astounding just how ruthless these Coyotes are. Really really sad.

[Cryingkate]

Mass Graves found everywhere. What has taken over man? I wonder and wonder.