Updated:

REFUGEES

By
1595
0

Latest

Amici, friends, immigrants,
welcome to the land of broken hearts.
Your heart is – for different reasons,
or the same as mine – broken.
Did you disembark with a bag
full of clothes, papers and dreams?
Did you leave your family, friends
and part of yourself behind?  I did.
Did you run into a wall
of discrimination? I did. Is your
accent an impediment to a job
you’re qualified for? Mine is, still.
Sins of my ancestors are recounted
to me. We immigrants, refugees
are like seeds spread by the wind
and dropped in fertile lands.
We become tempered, resilient
civilian soldiers for the common good
militating under a new flag.
Another heart grows in us,
working at minimum wages, or less.
Our job isn’t an important one
but “well done” is important. All in all
our destiny was, is a benevolent one.
Many perish in deserts, seas, wars.
In the process we get wiser, hopeful.
Quoting George Santayana,
also an immigrant,
“It was a cloudy day, but brightening…”
Diego De Leo

+ 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

I Did Believe

Poetry Cathleen Williams -

The New Order

Poetry Kathy Powers -

Takeout

Poetry Julie Rogers -

five stood

Poetry Gregory Pond -