American Tradition?

American Tradition?

Relocation of native populations.

Reservations.

Relocation in times of war.

Internment.

Relocation of detainees.

Presidential orders bordering on inhumanity.

Concentration camps.

There is nothing time honored about any of this.

Internment of undesirables, from Native Americans to Japanese Americans, was wrong, but that doesn’t mean the tradition doesn’t continue in the United States, as seen in the continued incarceration of detainees, particularly children at the US southern border, under conditions that are unacceptable and, more importantly, inhumane.

Image source: © Michael de Adder (Facebook)

 

a man reads the news ~ tanka

a man reads the news
considers independence
questions its value
a country of open arms
building walls on its borders

This tanka is a response to
Frank Tassone’s #Haikai Challenge #92: Independence,
in which Frank discusses Independence Day in the United States and how it’s  seen under
a new light, considering the treatment given to immigrants at the southern border.

Image source: © Reuters / Kim Kyung-Hoon

 

nurture elapsed

nurture elapsed

nurture elapsed.pngtheir value invalid
they cry for affection

mere commodities
never truly valued

these innocent souls
torn from loving arms

deprived of true contact
denial of any form of bond

statistics, grist
for the mill of hatred

its stone turned
by a cycle of lies

My response to Quadrille #59 – Cycle, from Kim at dVerse.
A quadrille is a poem of 44 words(any form) using a prompt word, in this case “cycle.”

Image source: cbs.com

Inclusion

Inclusion

Pride in our ancestors
Strength
Determination
Facing adversity as
Immigrants

Refugees
In the sense of seeking
Opportunity
Survival and escape from
Oppressive conditions

Succeeding in
Establishing a foundation of
Principles
Contributing to society
Receiving and extending rights to all

When did diversity become a liability
and fellowship a crime?

Ken Gierke

A Voice for the Voiceless – A Poetry Challenge
(Please consider responding to this challenge.)