Souls in Shadows

just something that I've been thinking about lately...

Souls in Shadows

 

 

Twinkling stars guide the lost and weary

Across raging rivers north 

Desert plains most dreary

 

In fear they fly from their country of birth

Fear of gangs, drugs, certain death

Force mothers to send children ahead

Only hope is a man they know little about

A man they pay to get their children out

 

So hard they work, so long they save

to scrape the bills together to pay

for a chance to save their children’s lives

It’s their one chance, certain or die

 

Hearts break and bleed to take the risk

The risk that results in death or frisk

To cross the border, the Rio Grande

Into the United States’ territorial land

 

Too many unscrupulous men

Take advantage of the desperate, the weak, pretend…

Promise to help them get settled and work

Once they reach their destination, then jerk

The chain of control they enjoy

Too many women are enslaved, used as toys

 

Sex slaves and servants, they are most afraid

To report the abuse, the moments depraved

Human beings deserve dignity and respect

unfortunate that they live in the shadows of neglect

afraid to alert the police for protection

They’d probably get arrested and put in detention

 

Predators prey on the weak and the lost

The prey are targeted, defenseless, and faint

They live outside the law in the shadows most taint

‘Tis wrong to allow the coyotes to roam

‘Tis wrong to permit the control they affirm

They are called Coyotes for obvious reasons

Predators pray on the lost, no matter the season

 

As Christians, daughters and sons of immigrants

It is up to us to demonstrate charity and affiliation

“There by the Grace of God, go I….” rings in my ear

We are called to have love and understanding, so clear.

Put down the pitchforks, and put down the posters

Protesting the illegals who’ve crossed into our borders

Know in your heart, the cost that they bear.

There must be a way out of this lair

 

Perhaps if we legalized the crossing so fraught

With danger, coyotes, and slavery for naught

Perhaps if we endangered the coyotes’ livelihood

The government could pocket the illegals' payment for goods.

 

If illegal immigrants were allowed our protections

They could go to work, start restaurants, and pay for education

Federal and state taxes for schools would be a start

States wouldn’t go bankrupt on welfare charts.

Public schools should begin demanding some kind of payment

from each family per year; a moderate tuition statement.

For schools require maintenance, and maintenance costs money

who better to pay it than the beneficiary?

 

Just a thought….

 

 

Bright Ocean Star; March 24, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

This one has been kicking around in my head for a very long time. I hope I didn't offend anyone. That wasn't my intention.

Reviews

[MomzillaNC]

A desperate and sad write. I do have to disagree with your closing statement. The thing is, everyone already pays for the schools through taxes (both sales and income and lottery). The problems of funding don't arise from people not paying for the service. The problem arises from the government constantly cutting the funding that was originally targeted for our schools and giving it to their favorite corporate toadies, for example, tobacco farming subsidies and big oil subsidies.

[Bright Ocean Star]

It is true. I'm not arguing with you on any of it. However, there is always a certain group of people who complain about having to pay taxes to fund public schools, and as a parent of children who attend public schools, it is patently obvious many of the families that enjoy the education their children aquire from the public school system do not in any way contribute to the maintenance or running of the school to any extent. I think parents of the children who attend these schools need to do more to help the schools be maintained properly, be more involved in the cleanliness or activities of these areas. That's just my opinion...:)

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you for reading and commenting on this one, MZ..I always like to see your avatar in my comments list. I hope you are well, my friend...:)

[MomzillaNC]

I honestly don't think it would matter what people paid in for the public schools. The government will always find a reason to divert that money to some other project. The bald truth is that education matters little to those in power. Their kids aren't stuck with public education as are our kids. Public education would be better served by turning our attention to the vagaries of the politicians who're determinedly undermining our education systems, instead of letting ourselves be set against each other. Just think of the BILLIONS collected by the so-called "Education Lottery" and the way those funds have been diverted. What have they gone for? Our education and infrastructure are being robbed by a political engine that is all too adept at making their graft OUR fault and turning us against each other.

[Bright Ocean Star]

*sigh*. You are right again. But it has been a long, hard day, and I don't want to think about the graft and corruption tonight. I don't know what can be done about it. Smarter people that myself have been wrestling with this concept for a long time. Sometimes, I wonder if the answer is to dissolve public education, and make everyone who attends public school pay tuition to support their schools. If the kids don't make the grade, circle the wagons and get them help. If they don't show any desire to improve, cut them loose. There are plenty of jobs open in the garbage collection industry, and we all need more ditch diggers and highway grass cutters... Put them in trade school and be done with it.

[MomzillaNC]

Ummmmmmmm…

[Bright Ocean Star]

and obviously, it goes without saying, that I'm only half-serius. I'm sure this pseudoplan wouldn't work. But if we don't start the discussion with something, we'll never get there. Right?

[rubie]

So touching and sad. The overriding feeling that comes across loud and clear to me in this piece is desperation.

I'm not one for writing in rhyme (free verse is more my thing), but I am so very impressed with how you effortlessly put such profound thoughts together with perfect rhyme and meter.

Well done!

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Rubie. I am happy you thought it was noteworthy. This one is a bit older. I'd forgotten all about it.

[Lyn Anderson]

A well thought out piece. I might consider changing the format to either paragraphs or reworking the stanzas for Metre and rhyme, but the thought contained is cohesive.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, KL. I apprecieate you taking a look at it...:)

[NoelHC]

Immigration is what built North America, Mexico, the USA and Canada. In my family, on my mother's side it is a century ago, on my father's side, less than a century.
I agree with Einstein's comment, those that have come here legally, worked to establish themselves and provide for their family are now being circumvented by greedy criminals and frankly by government actions that are questionable.
Before we take in all the poor and the suffering from elsewhere, we have our own homeless, our own poor, our own addicted, our own veterans that we should be caring for properly first.
Having said all that, an excellent poem, and thought provoking.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Noel. I do agree with Einstein, Sami, and you as well. This poem was born from the contemplation of what life must be like from the other side. I really believe it is important to try and understand or appreciate both sides. Having said that, I think the answer is in expanding the legalization system to the point where you really have to questions someone's motives if they are coming across illegally. Then, we can crack down and make them regret they didn't follow the legal process. Thank you again for your review...:)

[Sami Khalil]

A hot button issue as we see in the US. I came here legally and got my Citizenship legally fleeing a civil war. Isympathize with the victims but not the victimizers whether theirgovernments or those Coyotes. I agree with Einstein Noodle and I hope they put a legal framework to balance the law and keeping legal immigration open not illegal one. I feel sympathy for the children who are suffering. Anexcellent topic and debate...An excellent write...:)....

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Sami. It is always nice to see you stop by. You leave such thoughtful review. Be well, my friend...:)

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome muchly...:)....

[Moonie]

A thought that compels all of us to think about the issue you've highlighted. I am not that acquainted with the American laws, but still I think that you have addressed the issue in the most poetic way possible. I love how you imagined how the mothers feel, in the beginning of the poem, about sending their children across the border. This is what poetry is all about. It can make us imagine and feel things and emotions that we know nothing of. Well done! This deserves a round of applause! :)

[Bright Ocean Star]

My dear friend, I am touched that you think it deserves applause. This topic is a hot fireball right now in America, and no one has any real answer to it. However, no one is considering expanding the legal pathways, for some reason. I firmly believe if a solution has not come to pass, then it is important to open the box and think outside the standard parameters. For whatever good comes from it. Who knows. Thank you so much for stopping in to read this one. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind review...:)

[Einstein Noodle]

sorry Bright One .. compassion and understanding are one thing but .. (please bear with me) ..lets make it personal OK!? someone breaks into my home with oh.... mother, brother and four children ... they demand that i find them work .. give them shelter,food, clothing and opportunity ... not the way to win me over ..
my ancestors got off a boat .. registered .. and earned a place legally as citizens in the USA ..
what about the thousands that are in line and obeying our laws .. ??? what about them?? with all respect for our differing opinions on this one .. i do beg to differ .. :(
your poem is heartfelt and plays to sympathy for lawlessness .. which i do not condone .. that does not make me an insensitive beast .. what i have i share with those i choose .. not necessarily those that demand ..
peace and choice :)
E.
ps. and can we respectfully disagree? ;)

[Bright Ocean Star]

Yes, E. Always. I do see and agree with your side. I was just caught in a moment of contemplation about the lawlessness of the coyote's life and how we could put a stop to it. This is not intended to be 'the answer'. It was intended to be an attempt to get the discussion started..."what if, as it were.." Thank you for reading and commenting. I always appreciate your input and thoughts. I even actually do agree with you. I just see, in some instances, where they are coming from. The larger evil here is they incentive for the coyotes. Thank you, my friend. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

yes .. the whole process of crossing our borders illegally is fraught with danger and abuses of all kinds .. our present administration has done a horrible job. We need to first secure the borders and enforce our laws; streamline the process towards citizenship and work with Mexico to rid itself of drug czars and create an atmosphere that gives their people hope in their own country. Thank you for your poem of compassion for desperate and victimized illegals .. many die in the desert ..deserted by the "coyote" ..many are sexually abused .. and who knows what else .. securing our borders and enforcing our laws would go along way to stop it .. and anyone who pays "under the table" also needs vigorous prosecution .. heavy fines .. perhaps even jail for repeat offenders .. whew! ..thanks for giving me an opportunity to express these thoughts of mine. So more kudos to you in successfully getting me involved in discussion ;)
E.

[Bright Ocean Star]

You are welcome. I do agree with you. I think if we expanded the legal pathways to allow people legal entrance, than we could crack down in a very direct and unmistakable way on people crossing the border, because if they are taking illegal entrance, when they could come legally, then we have to imagine they are possible terrorists. We have to do something. Thank you, my friend...:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow this is more than just a thought...this is how it is for so many unfortunates trying to escape the hell they are in, only to find themselves in another place that is just as hellish as where they were.

inescapable...I agree with the last part...everyone deserves an education, everyone deserves a chance to better him or herself. Not to be imprisoned because of a lack of funds...not to be imprisoned by those who would take advantage.

so sad.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Jacob. It isn't the most popular thing to write about, but it is getting in the news more and more. I don't know if this is an answer, and I fully appreciate Einstein's feelings to the contrary, but this was intended sort of as the beginning of an open discussion to explore alternative ideas to solve this problem. Because the problem is out there and people are being victimized while we debate. It is sad. Thank you for reading this one. I deeply appreciate your constant support of my poetry. You are so good. Thanks again...:)

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Oh WOWZA, I love your poetry but this is one of my favs… it is like you channeled Poe and gave it a modern day flare with your personal touch of creativity. Your poem certainly touched on the many things wrong with not just this country but the world.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Cowboy! There are so many things wrong; I just hate to think of these poor people caught in a state of fear, unable to get help from someone. I am so happy you liked this one. I was a little afraid it would get kind of preachy, but I'm delighted you liked it...:) You made my day. Thank you again...:)

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

My pleasure hon.