I have not known the <br />Salty taste the ocean <br />Leaves settled in the <br />Mouths of drown victims <br />That died trying to become <br />Americans. <br /> <br />Or the passion <br />Burning the throat like <br />Bile but sweet fermenting <br />Into desire that fills <br />The mind of those <br />Packed inside container <br />Ship boxes overflowing <br />(Not only with the stench <br />Of human excrement <br />And those producing it) <br />But mostly hope. <br /> <br />I did not agree to pay <br />$35,000 with <br />Money, I did not have <br />Bartering my body <br />Into prostitution, crime <br />Or worse for years to <br />Repay this debt if I <br />Survive to set foot upon <br />That shore. <br /> <br />There was no pain, <br />Fear of death, <br />Ugliness, <br />Money spent. <br /> <br />I was born into <br />This dream of hope, freedom <br />And opportunity. The <br />Question I find lingering <br />In the base of my mind <br />Simply is… <br /> <br />If I was there <br />Would <br />I risk to be here? <br /> <br />Would you?<br /><br />Byron Headrick<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/after-reading-an-article-on-illegal-asian-immigr/
