Broken Glass, Shattered Dreams

[Author's Note: The following poem was written yesterday morning in response to the news of the proposed ICE raids to take place today. The President subsequently announced a two-week delay in those raids. Thankfully, there are groups protesting (see below) yet our country remains on a course that can only be described as evil and inhumane in its treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers along our southern border.] #WeHaveRights

“ICE set to begin immigration raids in 10 cities on Sunday”

(CNN News Headline)

Broken Glass, Shattered Dreams

Kristallnacht, “the night of broken glass,”

When paramilitary forces  enforced a pogrom against the Jews

Confirming the moral blight upon the regime

Of a civilized nation.

No one spoke out.

The white Christian majority

Dared not question the authorities.

Whether in fear

Or in tacit approval,

Unspeakable atrocities

Were unleashed.

Today

In the land of the free

Paramilitary forces are set in place

To enforce a pogrom against immigrants of color.

We wanted those Hispanic immigrants to tend out yards,

Clean out hotels,

Pick our crops,

And to do those jobs that are beneath our lot.

Yet how many will speak out?

Who will affirm “freedom and justice for all?”

Keeping silent is easier –

Less trouble on the part of the comfortable majority.

We already tipped our hand

By allowing concentration camps

Where children are taken from their parents

To face fear

Abuse,

And death.

But we tipped our hand before

With the Indian Removal Act

And the Dred Scott Decision.

We speak noble words

While plotting evil deeds.

Whether in fear

Or in tacit approval,

Unspeakable atrocities 

Were unleashed.

Our progress comes

By stepping over broken glass

And trampling upon shattered dreams.

We could be better than this.

                                                             ~ CK

Photo by Grace Carson)

“Denver immigrant groups blast Sunday ICE raids as ‘terror’ tactic”

(Headline from The Colorado Independent)

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