Updated:

Poem reflecting on the Trail for Humanity walk

By
930
0

Latest

Walkers and supporters of the Trail for Humanity 350 mile walk from Merced to San Ysidro, CA, in support of undocumented children and women crossing the border. PHOTO/EDWARD CASTRO
Walkers and supporters of the Trail for Humanity 350 mile walk from Merced to San Ysidro, CA, in support of undocumented children and women crossing the border.
PHOTO/EDWARD CASTRO

By Valeska Castaneda, mother and one of the organizer’s of the Trail for Humanity. They walked 350+ miles to support the plight of undocumented children/adults crossing the border. They marched from Merced to San Ysidro, CA.
MERCED, CA — It starts in the pit of my stomach. Then I feel it fiercely grow. It starts pulsing and transforms into a powerful ache that moves like water through the rest of my body and refuses to end until I have walked my last steps of the day.
Something deeper is moving us all now, and I honestly feel it is the prayers and thoughts of the community, even now as I write this, there are hundreds praying for our health and safety. That’s the only explanation I have. I’ve walked 19 days straight and still have no blisters and today we were supposed to end our 15 miles in Sylmar, California, but we decided to walk an extra two miles to be greeted by the community of Pacioma, ending at 287 miles, showing the world how deep the will of humanity runs when it refuses to be silenced. In Lak’ech Ala K’in, (You are my other me. If I do harm to you I do harm to myself. If I love and respect you I love and respect myself.)

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Sarah Lazare and Amy Livingston -

Minnesota Trade Unionists Among Those Targeted; Feds Indict ICE Observers

Minnesota trade unionists are among 15 people indicted by the federal government, as part of a crackdown on organizing in opposition to the ICE and Border Patrol. Support is needed.
The Texas Tribune and Chloe Landen, Religion News Service -

Japanese Internment Survivors, Faith Leaders Demand Texas ICE Detention Center Close

Faith leaders and Japanese internment camp survivors held a 45 mile pilgrimage demanding the closure of the only federal family detention center, described as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”
Maureen Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights -

Progressives? Conservatives? Left? Right? Who Do They All Represent?

The billionare class paints the economy as very good based on rising stock market episodes that don’t filter down to most blue-collar people. Let’s concentrate our efforts on those fighting for the needs of the many.
Indira Treon-Mutuma -

A Somali Perspective on Life in Minnesota

The words “Nobody wants you here,” may have been directed at one Somali family, but they do not define Minnesota’s Somali community. By listening to the voices of Somalis themselves, a different story emerges, one of belonging, resilience, and community.
Alexandria McKenzie -

50 Years Later: The Man Who Refused to Let Allensworth Disappear

While a historical site cannot bring back the haven of possibility that the town of Allensworth in the state of California once was, its presence forces a reckoning for anyone it reaches — a ceaseless act of resistance in itself.

More from the People's Tribune