I See You

By BH

Looking through caged windows
So many faces, so much pain
Immigrants being treated less than animals
Hunted down and casted away

Homeless, displaced with nowhere to escape
God’s children
Traveling from place to place

It’s hard to call myself an American
As this can’t be the American way
What happened to the land of the free
The home of the brave
The Christian or Patriot way?

The days of yesterday has faded away
Dreamers are still dreaming
Still I see you, and will fight for you always

58 Comments

  1. Derek H. on August 18, 2020 at 1:46 PM

    What a great reference to American ideals and being known as the land of the free. This poem is so relevant to current times, thank you for sharing!

  2. Ilana Ascher on August 21, 2020 at 11:15 AM

    BH, you are truly talented! I write poetry too, and I feel like your piece inspires me to write more. You make your point so beautifully and convincingly, as you are exposing the injustices of this country. You are a powerful writer and I hope I can read more of your stuff asap!

  3. Adelyn Heagle on August 26, 2020 at 5:23 PM

    i like the rhyme scheme used throughout your pome. The formatting shows that you thought a lot about how to make your message flow and enhance the themes written in word. As for your topic, i think it brings up a lot of good questions about the “american dream” and assumed ideals, I like how despite the disappointing lie america has told us all you have decided to not give up home to continue fighting for the those in need who need the freedom and liberty that our country had promised but not given

  4. Emily on August 30, 2020 at 12:51 PM

    This poem is really unique. I liked that you were able to compare the world of today to the world years ago. Especially in America, its hard to see the “American Dream” seemingly slipping away. You did a great job using comparisons to address the injustices that Americans are having to face. I really enjoyed your poem.

  5. Tara C on September 1, 2020 at 7:31 PM

    Thank you for sharing such insightful, powerful words through this poem. It’s so important that we, as a society, talk about topics that are difficult to talk about, as often as possible. We should always be having a conversation about the people in our world who need a little extra help, care, and consideration. I found your poem very insightful and moving. The way you speak about those in our world in need of help is very powerful!

  6. Allie Ruggiero on September 7, 2020 at 7:43 PM

    I really loved this poem because you mentioned a lot of topics like immigration and racism that are very important today. There are so many issues going on in the world and it is very hard to take it all in. I also liked how you mentioned homelessness because there are so many people who are homeless today and we do nothing about it which is terrible because everyone deserves a second chance. My favorite line is, “What happened to the land of the free. The home of the brave.” We all need to be together as one and figure everything out as one but right now as a nation, we are divided. You can feel the emotions through your words. You can feel the pain and the disappointment. A bunch of readers will be able to relate to your poem because there are so many people who are struggling in this world today with everything that is going on. I loved your poem and I wouldn’t change a single thing about this poem.

  7. Cyd Crasa on September 8, 2020 at 8:49 AM

    This was awesome and extremely passionate. I loved the end line. “I see you, and will fight for your always” is such a powerful statement

  8. katherine on September 8, 2020 at 8:57 AM

    Wow your poem really spoke to me. I totally agree with you, in your poem I get the sense that you’re confused with the injustices of the world, but I love the ending. The last line really resonated with me: “Still I see you, and will fight for you always”. Amazing work and thank you so much for sharing!

  9. Rachel on September 8, 2020 at 8:57 AM

    This imagery is heart-wrenching! But I liked how the ending of the poem ended with hope and dreams.

  10. Deja on September 8, 2020 at 8:59 AM

    this is awesome and it’s so real. please keep this passion with you. a change is definitely coming, you will soon be proud to be an American.

    you have a gift. don’t lose sight of that even in the midst of the negativity going on around us.

  11. Hannah on September 8, 2020 at 9:01 AM

    Your words are powerful and showcase your strong feelings toward your struggle to identify with the people around you. Excellent!

  12. Julia on September 8, 2020 at 9:03 AM

    I love the line “displaced with nowhere to escape.” It suggests that no matter where they go, they will be in danger– they fled their homes only to encounter new terrors in the US. Still, the poem ends on the hopeful note that they are marginalized but not invisible, which resonated with me as a reader.

  13. simone on September 8, 2020 at 9:04 AM

    Hi BH!

    I really enjoyed reading your poem. It forces you to think about the systems that are in place, and what we can do to change them for the better. I hope you continue to dream and know that the freedom and justice that we stand for is alive, and that people are fighting to ensure that they continue to be. Change will come.

  14. Kat on September 8, 2020 at 9:05 AM

    This poem is really powerful and sends a clear message. I think that a great word choice was made. The words “hunted” and “casted” demonstrate the frustration and anger that the poet has in them. The question in the third stanza brings in the reader and makes them question the US and how it is treating people. Really great job!

  15. Chloe on September 8, 2020 at 9:09 AM

    Hi BH, thank you for sharing. I like how you ended such a raw piece with the idea oh hope looking forward. -Chloe

  16. Olivia on September 8, 2020 at 9:12 AM

    BH, America has so much work to do before it is the “land of the free.” I know you and I, and countless others, want to see this country change for the better. It is going to be a lot of work, but having a hand in the right side of history will very much be worth it. Keep writing! This piece is beautifully written and I know you will have a positive impact on America’s future.

  17. Kelly on September 8, 2020 at 11:47 AM

    I really enjoyed reading this and was able to feel immense empathy given your situation. Your poem spoke true experience and I appreciate your perspective. I am listening, and though I cannot physically see you, I hear you and care greatly about your health and well-being. At the end of the day you are still human and should be treated as such. I hope one-day we can lead the America where we all feel we belong. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and feelings regarding your situation.

  18. Mia on September 13, 2020 at 5:21 PM

    BH,
    Your words are very powerful and filled with emotion. It is obvious that you are extremely passionate about conveying your thoughts into your words and sharing your personal perspective. Although you have faced triumph, you still exude hope for others who may be feeling similar to you. Keep writing, you have a true way with words.

  19. Kellyn on September 29, 2020 at 7:21 PM

    This poem is so well-written and honest about the flaws in our country, but “dreamers are still dreaming” really speaks to me here, and it is a very hopeful note to end this poem on. In spite of current events I want to believe that we can do better, and your poem inspires continued hope and persistence.

  20. Angela on September 29, 2020 at 7:43 PM

    It’s very powerful to invoke the words from the national anthem in this context and call out the schism between the ideal “American way” and the nation as we see it in it’s present state. Very well written.

  21. Steffy on September 29, 2020 at 7:49 PM

    “Still I see you, and will fight for you always” is such a strong line. This line says a lot about your willingness to fight and your strength. You are a good writer and I encourage you to keep on writing and carrying your message across your poems.

  22. Toby K LaMarche-Deutchman on September 29, 2020 at 8:20 PM

    Your poem is so beautiful and you see so clearly … better than most “free” of the cages, but unable or unwilling to see. You are the hope for America to return to its real self. Thank you , and please keep writing.

  23. Abigail Cross on September 29, 2020 at 8:36 PM

    -BH,
    I really like this poem because of the message that you are sending. I like how you are using the medium of poetry to talk about what you think should change in America. I hope you keep writing!

  24. Krystal Ramos on September 30, 2020 at 9:14 PM

    This poem really highlighted the way I feel. This doesn’t feel like the America that I thought it was going grow up. It honestly saddens me that we are still fighting so many injustices, yet we are suppose to set an example for other countries. I am too still dreaming of a brighter future for all.

  25. Tess on October 9, 2020 at 10:54 AM

    BH,

    This poem was very powerful. I love that you discussed these important issues in today’s world like immigration and racism. It’s important for society to talk about these important issues and that we care about the people who may be less fortunate than others. The way you talked about these topics was very powerful and well-written. You are a great writer and I encourage you to continue to write.
    Tess

  26. kassidilenae on October 13, 2020 at 9:57 AM

    BH,

    Thank you for sharing this with us. I feel your words heavy on my heart. You challenge those that claim to be good and moral yet contradict their “Christian and Patriot” way. Continue to use your words to reveal hypocrisy. Continue to show your oppressors the morals they claim to have. Keep writing! We hear you.

    KC

  27. LM on October 18, 2020 at 4:30 PM

    BH, this poem you have written has such a powerful message. The injustices in America really do need to be discussed it is not a conversation that can be shied away from. It is saddening that America is really not where it should be. I love how you finished the poem with “Still I see you, and will fight for you always” this is such a powerful line and has such an ending of hope.

  28. Torrie on October 18, 2020 at 4:47 PM

    This is an amazing poem. I liked how you touched on all of these issues and saying how can this be American? Actions speak louder than words. We preach home of the brave and land of the free but where is that truly showing in our society? Keep writing poems like this. You are very talented and I really enjoyed reading this.

  29. Katarina Marinkovic on October 18, 2020 at 4:57 PM

    Hey BIH, your poem is really good and so real. It conveys a strong message about the sad reality of the world we live in. I like how you called us all God’s children (traveling from space to space), sadly equality is still only an aspiration. Keep on writing!

  30. Megan on October 19, 2020 at 6:08 PM

    Hi BH!

    Your poem resonated with me with many of the current injustices happening in the US today. It’s hard to have pride in being American when many Americans are still not receiving equal treatment. I love that despite this you recognize that there are still dreamers out there and that they deserve to be heard. I can only hope with you that America can move forward with those dreams as well.

  31. Katrina on October 20, 2020 at 12:54 PM

    Thank you for sharing your opinion and passion!Your voice is important and this needed to be said.

  32. N. B. on October 25, 2020 at 1:47 PM

    Thank you so much for writing this poem that highlights the struggle for the heart and soul of America today. With our words, we build ourselves up as some sort of untouchable, morally right superpower, but with our actions… we show much less than compassion. I think this highlights a common struggle that many of us go through: we grow up and realize our country is not what we though it was, does not stand for or value what we thought it did. I really like how you ended the poem, though: “The days of yesterday has faded away / Dreamers are still dreaming / Still I see you, and will fight for you always” because it leaves room for hope and the future.

  33. Cameron on October 26, 2020 at 1:43 PM

    BH, this is a very powerful poem, and I want to thank you for writing it—I hope that it reaches someone and educates them on the topic. I really like the line: “It’s hard to call myself an American/ As this can’t be the American way.” I resonated a lot with this line. We, as a country, established our values, and now we are completely going against everything we stand for. Overall, this is a very strong poem, and I am excited to see what you write next!

  34. Milana on October 28, 2020 at 2:49 PM

    I really appreciate the passion in this poem. The issues you speak about are all too common in society today and it needs to end. It is disgraceful that a land that has been founded off of immigrants is now separating families and putting children in cages. This is not the America that I want to live in. I really like how you brought up the words “Christian” and “Patriot.” The people who support these actions typically describe themselves with these words yet Christianity is all about helping those in need and loving each other and Patriots are people who fought against oppression. Great poem!

  35. Riti on October 30, 2020 at 3:22 PM

    I really appreciate your words. I love the honesty and call for change in this poem. You are persevering yet equally frustrated by the delayed progress of this country and how being an American is something that is hard to be proud of when the people that need fighting for aren’t receiving the ample help they deserve.

  36. Phuong Nguyen on October 30, 2020 at 3:24 PM

    This poem is so prevalent to the current situation right now at our border! Children are being ripped away from their parents’ arms, and we can’t imagine the permanent psychological damages that affect them. This poem is straightforward, simply worded, conveying the feeling that so many of us are having right now: the feeling of frustrations against the inhumane treatments against immigrants. Keep up the good work, and maybe one day we can have an impact on the movement against these cruel policies!

  37. Logan on November 5, 2020 at 2:48 PM

    I agree, BH. It’s wrong what America’s doing to immigrants and dreamers alike (with heavy overlap). It’s disheartening to see our country so strangely twisted away from what its original values were, and I can feel your pain in your words. I’m right there with you my man. If we stand up for the dreamers and believers, then maybe the American Dream won’t be a trap anymore. Let’s keep fighting, BH, someone’s gotta.

  38. Adrian Kocinski on November 11, 2020 at 3:15 PM

    Coming from an immigrant family, this poem really resonated with me. You do an outstanding job at addressing the hypocrisy within American culture. We are all immigrants. Before europeans colonized the Americas, it was native American land, and long before that there is no trace of humans living there. I really enjoyed your focus on helping the people rather than dismissing them as immigrants.

  39. Preeti on November 11, 2020 at 3:34 PM

    The overarching theme of your piece is something that I think about constantly. How is the US considered Land of the Free, when we are constantly locking people up and stripping them of their basic freedoms? This piece is fantastic. You do a great job in shining light on some dark parts of US customs. A land of immigrants having the audacity to treat immigrants as they do, keep up the great work.

  40. Clifford on November 20, 2020 at 4:58 PM

    BH, amazing and powerful poem. The way you wrote this piece while voicing your opinion was very impactful.

  41. Christine Shelton on November 20, 2020 at 6:12 PM

    Hi! Thank you for sharing this poem! This was incredibly moving, the topic of this poem is sorrowful but it also gives a ray of hope upon all of our struggles. I hope that everyone who is struggling know that their pain is seen and that they aren’t alone. This poem really meant a lot to me, your poem was written well and really was so touching!

  42. Anne on November 21, 2020 at 9:01 PM

    BH, this poem was so powerful and brought to light many issues that need to be talked about. The way many things are done in this country need to be reformed. I think you did an amazing job talking about a very important topic and you should definitely keep writing!

  43. Steven on November 30, 2020 at 12:41 AM

    Thank you for sharing such insightful, powerful words through this poem. It’s so important that we, as a society, talk about topics that are difficult to talk about, as often as possible. We should always be having a conversation about the people in our world who need a little extra help, care, and consideration. I found your poem very insightful and moving. The way you speak about those in our world in need of help is very powerful!

  44. AKB on December 4, 2020 at 1:18 PM

    I like the fact you spoke on things we currently have an issue with in America. Things are only getting worse and this is super powerful and motivational. Good job!

  45. Olivia on December 12, 2020 at 11:43 PM

    This was such a powerful and inspiring poem. I believe it brings up many important topics and situations that are still occurring today. It has become a very sad and scary world out there, and the thing we all need to do is come together. You created a poem that can not only inspire people but also educate them. It is up to us to become the change this world needs. Thank you for these beautiful words.

  46. Sabryn Ferchichi on December 16, 2020 at 4:51 PM

    BH,

    When I began this poem I could tell immediately you were illuminating the inhumane treatment of immigrants at the Mexican/American border, with the line sticking out to me like “Immigrants being treated less than animals.” You keep the pace of pointing out the dehumanization in the next stanza where you give examples of how they’re treated like animals in cages when really they’re “God’s children.” I also like the echoes of using American values mixed with Christian values to call out the hypocrisy of the people in power of this country that aid in the oppression of these groups..

  47. David on February 24, 2021 at 10:34 AM

    This poem was very impactful as it shed light to the subject of immigrants. That the country that used to be one that had its foundations built on the principles of immigration, christianity, and patriotism is now twisted in a way that allows for inhumane circumstances of those we want to reject. This brings awareness to a heavy topic that gets overlooked often and I thank you for that

  48. David Liu on February 24, 2021 at 2:52 PM

    This poem is so powerful. I enjoyed reading every word of it. Thank you for sharing!

  49. Elizabeth Carmenate on April 13, 2021 at 6:45 PM

    BH,
    WOW! This poem spoke to me!! As a daughter of cuban immigrants, I related to a lot of the stuff you brought up in your poem. The sad truth is, America only caters to a specific person, individual, and being. The rest of us need to fight our way to the top, support one another, and carry each other through the battles of injustice and inequality. Being an American is just a title but what you do with that title is what separate true meaning from a label. thank you for sharing this poem with the rest of the world, and thank you for fighting for me.

  50. Alina and Leila on April 13, 2021 at 6:49 PM

    BH,

    Thank you for bringing awareness to these human rights violations within our country. It is brave to call out the faults of such a powerful institution yet is necessary in order to uphold the dignity of all humans. We appreciate your authenticity in this piece.

  51. Kyla on April 15, 2021 at 10:08 PM

    BH,
    Your poem is so powerful.
    I have come across this poem as part of a college course aimed at community engagement.
    What this country is doing to immigrants, who are just trying to escape dangerous situations in the homelands, is just despicable. The idea of “borders” personally does not make much sense to me, as an anthropologist. Legality and borders are much more of a state of mind that the government has manipulated and has become physically divided only in recent decades. It is so hard to find any type of pride in being an American.
    Your poem includes powerful imagery, forces your readers to have a strong emotional reaction, and tackles a big idea which are all characteristics of a great poem, so great work!
    Thank you for sharing your work with the world

  52. Anna on April 16, 2021 at 4:44 PM

    Hey BH, I really enjoyed this poem!! It was so powerful and is really important in the world we live in today. I love how you were able to voice your opinion and show your passion. Thank you for sharing this!

  53. Katie on April 28, 2021 at 2:04 PM

    BH,
    This poem is really well written and deep in its meaning. It brings awareness and questions the systems that we live in here in America. I like the way you acknowledged your audience at the end, it makes it more personable. Writing in a way that connects with readers on a more personal level, in my opinion makes you a better writer and makes readers more inclined to keep reading your work. I empathize with your experiences that led you to write this and am glad you are able to write poetry as an outlet for expression. Continue writing and sharing your thoughts with the world!

  54. cm on May 2, 2021 at 3:31 PM

    Hi BH – thank you for sharing your writing! I am a college student in an English class called Writing and Community. We focus on service learning and place a strong emphasis on interacting with the community outside of the university. I really enjoyed reading your poem – it discussed such an important idea in such a well written format. I agree with you that the treatment of immigrants in un-American and inhumane. The lines that stuck out to me the most were “What happened to the land of the free The home of the brave? The Christian or Patriot way?” I really think this does a good job of showcasing how far we have diverged from the original ideals of the country. I really hope you continue to write and share your poems, as it seems that you have a talent and passion for writing poetry. Good luck in the future!

  55. Oshane on October 16, 2022 at 11:42 PM

    Great poem, thank you for bringing awareness to the struggles that are faced by immigrants or asylees in America. It is true that immigrants and undocumented people do face a lot of hardship and ostracism due to their status, race, culture, or color.

  56. Andrew on February 12, 2023 at 9:24 PM

    Very strong message. It exposes the system we are a part of, yet it’s hard to do anything past the government and regulations. However, this poem is both eye-catching and eye-opening and helps to pave the way for better civil rights.

  57. Jazmyne on February 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM

    What I love about this poem is how much awareness this can bring to people. What our system does to people is shameful and disgusting. We let our people sleep on the streets with no food or water. We ignore the reality they are living in each day. Most of us walk past or ignore eye contact at lights. How as a society can we get to a place like this? I love that you bring awareness and speak on topics like this. Or the saddest part is the people that have served our country and those of a minority are the ones living on the street each day. We are not the greatest country in the world if we can’t even take care of our own. Keep writing such beautiful work!

  58. Chelsea on December 1, 2023 at 9:44 AM

    I love how you referenced the ideals that Americans have. It really puts into perspective what one person thinks of the US and what actually goes on.
    This poem is different from the ones I normally read and I think it is very inspiring to put these types of things into a new perspective.
    I like that you put topics like racism and immigration into the poem. It makes you really put into perspective what it is really like for people dealing with these issues that people encounter.

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