THE IMMIGRANT

immigration, treatment of women out west,

She reaches America

in the bowels of an old ship

trek from hell

stuffed skin to skin, sweat, stench

countless sick, numerous die

She survives and is dispatched

to the western range

arranged marriage, brides for sale

obscure environs, vile people

unwanted, set apart

she struggles with a foreign tongue

no rapport, no perception of someplace

loveless chattel

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

The sad and disheartening tale of human trafficking. Strong sensory words in this piece as there should be. It makes me sick to thing how evil humans can be. It also is something my brain has a hard time wrapping itself around. The lack of empathy and compassion. How does that happen? A question that I know we can’t quite explain.

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree with you totally; this happened in the 18th century; unfortunately still goes on today. Thanks for your comment., Fondly, Betty

[NotUsinganymore]

Very interesting poem that is modern. It is true many believe they're setting for a happy life in America but it can be filled with human trafficking and abuse.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you very much for your reading!

[NotUsinganymore]

You are welcome.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Well written and sad but true. It's been said there were two professions for a woman out west, w***e and cook...not that the two were mutually exclusive, one of the other. A woman of means or education might take in borders, sew dresses or become a schoolteacher. It was a rough life for the men as well and the men of the time were rough as cobs. The average life expectancy of an American man on the western frontier was only about 36. It was only two years more for women.

[Betty Hermelee]

A sad comment on life in America then and now! Thank you so much for reading!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Personally, I think life in America is preferable to any other place on earth and particularly in my beloved Appalachians. Where I come from, EVERYONE'S a survivalist and we like it that way. We're not rich or fancy but all the money in the world couldn't buy an Appalachian sunrise. To walk in these woods is more peaceful than anything this side of heaven to me.

[Lea Sheryn]

Sad but in many ways a reality for the women who were seeking a new life in a new country.

[R.E. Ray]

A timeless tragic story and poem, Betty. This human trafficking continues today with American women and those from many other countries and continents. This speaks to the wretchedness we're capable of becoming and remaining as so-called humans.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes indeed! Thanks for reviewing!

[R.E. Ray]

You're welcome, Betty.

[Chris Shaw]

Human trafficking. I can't imagine the desperation of those who think they are moving away from hell only to find they are in an even worse place than before. In a land of strangers with a hostile tongue. When the full reality sets in of how cruel the human species can be, it must be like being hit by a bus to realise you are enslaved Strong and powerful work Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You are right Chris, it's horrible but true, and still goes on today! Thanks gor reading, Fondly, Betty

[barleygirl]

You've painted this scene as harsh & vividly sad as it probably is . . . your message reminds me of how some don't consider what dire circumstances must have existed in their "home" of origin which could be so hopeless that many can be lured by a shallow promise which never materializes. It kills me how so many in my area are down on immigrants, not seeing or caring about the desperation in their flight. I know your poem is about human trafficking, but it's a similar crap shoot with refugee-seeking immigrants, in my estimation. Always good to see you expanding your field of interests in your poetry (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes Margie, you certainly could make an analogy to immigrants today. Thanks for reading, hugs, Betty

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is supposed to be the land of the free...the statue of liberty welcomes those from other places...she did once upon a time.
this was a refuge...or should have been.
but for many it was the opposite...there should never be this kind of treatment of humans.....
I hear the silent cries of those who became lost in loveless, arranged marriages to be no more than slaves.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

This kind of human treatment is deplorable! and still exists! Thanks for reading, Betty