this is a poem a friend and peace activist Mimi Copp wrote when she traveled to the U.S. Mexico border in Arizona with Christian Peacemaker Teams. I went to see first-hand the migration of people from Central and South America into the U.S., the militarization of the border by the U.S. and the humanitarian crisis of 100s of people dying each year in the deserts, (In 2009, 206 have died.) i thought this was beautiful and wanted to share -blew

~Parallel Journeys Worlds Apart

I am 29 years old.

I am 15 years old.

I am a U.S. citizen.

I am a Mexican citizen.

I came to Douglas, Arizona by plane.

I came to Douglas, Arizona by foot.

I came to learn why people are dying in the deserts of Arizona.

I passed through on my way to find a job.

I packed sunscreen, a hat, a camera, the Bible, a journal, a sleeping bad, band-aids, a rain jacket.

I packed some food, clothes and water.

I chose to come and spend a week of vacation.

I was chosen by my family as the one to make the trek in order to get work.

I was afraid they’d arrest me if I helped an “illegal” migrant.

I was afraid I’d get lost in the desert and die.

I couldn’t be afraid; people are dying.

I couldn’t be afraid; my family is hungry.

My heart is breaking.

I “legally” crossed the border at the Port of Entry in a few minutes.

I “illegally” crossed the border through a barbed wire fence in the middle of the desert.

They look at me and think I’m “legal.” No need to look at my passport.

They look at me and think I’m “illegal.” No need to look at my passport.

I move about freely.

I must hide.

I sprained by ankle during a walk through the desert and couldn’t walk. I rode home in the car.

I must watch every step. If I get injured I might not get out of the desert.

I’m ready to go home and I will.

I’m ready to go home but can’t.

I’m a child of God.