A Call to Action

By BH

DREAMERS

Running from terror
Chasing freedom
Only to find themselves stuck in cages
Searching for love

But
Met with hatred
Surrounded by foreign faces
Willing to work to pave the way

But
Those in power won’t open the gates
Families divided across the states
Hoping and praying for better days
Will us American people come to their aid

Or
Have our once freed land become
A fascist state?

Tagged with , ,

7 Comments

  1. Barbara Moffet on March 26, 2020 at 1:29 PM

    Very nice job in communicating clearly about a very serious problem!

  2. Jessica Lindenberg on April 1, 2020 at 11:59 AM

    I really like your use of subtle rhyming and how you used the words “but” and “or” on their own line. It gives the words more significance and power.

  3. Hayley on April 13, 2020 at 4:13 PM

    Hi BH,

    I think the message of this poem is very clear and it is well-written. This poem seems to describe the problem of mass incarceration and immigration in the US. It seems people in power are not able to see their privilege fully and often do not see the humanity in people behind barriers. Thank you for inspiring me to think more about what I can do for people that are incarcerated. The system is definitely not always fair; as you said, many people “searching for love” end up doing time.

  4. Kayelynn on April 13, 2020 at 5:01 PM

    Dear BH,

    Your poem does a wonderful job of tackling a prominent issue in America. Every day, people would hear about children being kept in cages, families being torn apart, and further mistreatment — all aimed at people coming here with the goal of living a better life. Your language is strong and I can tell that you’re a strong person through that. I look forward to what future poems could tackle!

  5. Armani739 on September 29, 2020 at 1:40 PM

    Thank you for sharing this poem BH,
    I enjoyed the figurative language throughout your writing.
    I grew up in a community where 80% of my best friends were/are Hispanic. I’ve never experienced immigration but I was fortunate enough to see few of the tribulations those crossing have to deal with that others don’t see, ever. In our modern days, I’m not sure what it would take for more Americans/the world to come to the aid of many who need it. But I hope we do.

  6. N. B. on October 19, 2020 at 5:12 PM

    Your poem touches on a very serious problem that we have in America today. Those who come to America often come seeking a better life, running from terror or hunger in their home countries, but bias, racism, and fear of those different from us often leaves them alienated and/or imprisoned. It is very important for the American people value those from other countries, and then to advocate for what they believe in to our government and lawmakers. Thank you for writing this!

  7. JM on November 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM

    Dear BH,

    Thank you for sharing this poem– I particularly liked it because the poem is short and concise but also extremely impactful. It’s a sign of good writing to write something that isn’t too long but also communicates a profound message. I also liked it because it addresses such a crucial moral issue for our country. It really humanizes those who are on the receiving end of this cruelty as they chase freedom and search for love. This is such an important call to attention for the way that we address immigration and how our approach to that shows what kind of nation we ultimately hope to be. Thanks again for writing and sharing.

    Best,
    JM

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.