Broken English

Broken dreams

A heart of hope

A heart of love;

Journeys you would never believe—

Just to get an education,

To find an occupation,

To be out of harm’s way.

Bye to the motherland,

Hello, America

I expected Miss Liberty’s torch

To blaze with warmth,

Instead, eyes burned with hate.

I did nothing wrong.

Haven’t you heard all the songs?

The land of opportunity,

Yet I’m under constant scrutiny.

Where can a shattered soul go?

If the land of dreams says no—

If the land of the free jails them.

Where can a father with empty pockets go?

If a drone hits his home,

And a statistic he becomes.

Where can a daughter go?

Who fears the streets at night

And journeys north in hope of a light.

They do not beg to leave home

But ask to be welcomed.

The world belongs to no one

The world belongs to everyone.

Make room.