Don Moi

Coyote comes a’ knocking

On the chicken coup,

            “Here pollo!

                        “Here pollo!

Come on out and play!”

 

A modern day Moses

With a rotten streak,

            Hook ‘em on!

                        Reel ‘em in!

Ask ‘em how they want to pay.

 

Swear to part the sandy ocean

Of deadly Desolation,

            Passage bought,

                        Loans all set,

Threats to family that stayed.

 

Throw them to Los Polleros

Let them burn in the sun.

            Keep them close!

                        Herd them on!

Keep the vultures at bay.

 

A trap of vicious substance

For the desperate and brave.

            One by one,

                        They all fall,

None survive the Devil’s Highway.

Author's Note

This was inspired by the book "The Devil's Highway" by Luis Urrea, which is about Mexican immigration into the United States, and a specific, tragic case. Comments? Suggestions?

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you have done this well, in my estimation...because you made it universal...

this could be about many different things...we get tempted, we get a sense of false security...then we find we have given ourselves to the devil's workings...we have fallen into some kind of trap...

much like the journey in the bible...we are led...but in this case, to slaughter...

absorbing piece, Ashira..

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks so much Jacob, I am glad you liked it.

[Eve Ola]

This piece depicts an emotional impact. very well done. I love you writing style as well, very nice

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you so much Eve, you are so kind!

[Matching Socks]

I don't know the book, I'm intrigued. Very well written though, I'm inspired to read the book. I'll have to add it to my reading list. Nice job. :)

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks Ana, it is interesting so far. A very different writing style from what I am used to reading. I would almost classify it as a prose biography if such a thing existed.

[Frieda P]

I'm not familiar with the book, but I enjoyed your poetry nonetheless, it's powerfully written and tells a story without knowing whence it came.

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks Frieda, it is not a bad book, though it is disturbing to read how awful humans can be to one another. So glad you enjoyed it.

[Frieda P]

I hardly have to read a book for that realization to sink in...always a pleasure to read your words Ashira.

[Mary Bosworth]

A very reflective and carefully worded piece which highlights the plight of those with no more strength left

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you Mary, I am glad you connected with this.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I compliment your inspiration from reading the book, Ashira! I've written poetry from biographies I've seen from movies, and I think you've done a stellar job.

There's a movie called "Border Run", based on the true events of human trafficking. Sharon Stone plays a TV reporter who is pushed to the limits when her brother goes missing. You may enjoy it...it's a little slow in the beginning, but there are some parts that hit home.

Thank you for sharing this!

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you so much Kelly, I will have to check that out when I get the chance, it might give a little more insight into the situation.

[Kelly Scheppers]

My pleasure, hon!

[Jack Wolfe]

A book I have not read, off to Amazon . . . an interesting read, you managed to merge your metaphors nicely. It's probably me, but the font against the bright white page, killed my eyes. Nice work, Ashira.

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you Wolfey, if you do end up reading the book let me know what you think of it! I don't think the font was harsh only to you, but it was actually intentionally that way. Kind of how I feel people's eyes would feel if they made it out of the harsh desert and tried writing down their feelings. It may be a little bit of a stretch though.

[Briana O'Connor]

Very powerful words. This piece has the emotional impact that will leave a mark on each readers soul. This is a piece that is memorable and remarkable. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[Sami Khalil]

A sad reality for so many immigrants. A powerful write...:)................

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you Sami, it is so true.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:).....

[Lyn Anderson]

I think it would benefit from the actual specific case note and a link.

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks KL, I will see what I can find.