immigration
Bright, Beautiful, Blighted
Road Trip 2022, Day Ten: Gaps
through Cumberland Gap
we drive down to Tennessee
and stand in three states
it’s been many years
(the gap between visits here)
and everything’s changed
Pappy’s room is new
with the antique furniture
from their grandparents
a whole new kitchen
to fill Donna’s empty nest
with the light of love
this generation
will take the time to teach them
and fill in the gaps
they’ll learn who came first,
what they fought for, what they lost;
close gaps, open eyes
Breathing Through
June: a harried month
with all the joys and sorrows
that make up this life
Blossoming
birthdays as i age
are all about the blossoms
(petal by petal)
even candy blooms
from a fasting student’s heart
here, home, on my desk
Newcomer Realities
the handwriting curse:
ten thousand miles, no school.
what can they learn next?
Dear Fabian
I just want you to know that I tried my best. I loved you the best way I know how. I tried to show you the world–Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, Kentucky… Skiing in beautiful places. Camping under the stars.
I tried to make you a part of my family.
I tried to show you that structure and discipline are the way to a successful life.
I tried to save your money so you could have a future. You would have had $13,000 to start your life. Out of the $9000 I gave you, I likely spent $5000 trying to include you. To show you these beautiful things, places, and experiences. To send money, thousands of dollars, home to your family in Honduras. To love you. To offer you a safe home and stability.
I barely knew you, and I took you into my home.
And you lit a match and burned it all.
I hope to God you learn from this and treat the people in your future better.
I hope to God the next time someone changes their entire life to accommodate you, you show more respect. You WORK YOUR ASS OFF to use your intelligence for your future. You shut down your stubborn ass, ask for help, and apply yourself one hundred percent to work, education, and discretion.
I hope that one day, if you ever go back, you look at the Grand Canyon and say, in utter amazement and gratitude, “Thank you for taking me to this ever-stretching, carved-over-thousands-of-years glory, and sharing its beauty with me.”
I hope you learn from your mistakes and make something out of your life.
Nothing and no one is stopping you.
It’s all on you.
And don’t burn your bridges next time.
Does It Matter?
what if sunset geese
were the best part of their day,
of their lives thus far?
Toll Statement
**FINAL NOTICE**
Statement ID: 646 days.
License: Pending government approval.
Previous Charges: Empathy. Generosity. Kindness.
New Charges: Betrayal. Ignorance. Deception.
Amount Due: Loyalty. Awareness. Truth.
Due Date: 35 days ago.
**We recommend you send your payment 646 days in advance to allow for forgiveness time.**
DO NOT SEND LIES.
One More Year
in the midst of darkness
after weeks of moment-by-moment loss
today we have a win
a Green Card on the horizon
of this young man’s dreams
Step Write Up 