“The Journey” by Delmy Padilla

Poems by Delmy Padilla*

The Journey

Crossing the Rio Grande to US land Clothes smelling of dirty water As I feel my throbbing heart and cold-sweat hands I can hear the men saying “It’s okay, you’re going to find the officers at the other side” The only thing is that I did not I lay on the ground listening to buzzing mosquitoes Feeling nothing but the bites from them I have no way to tell the time, but I know it must be late at night I can see nothing but some dimly light stars Sticks and weeds by my side providing me with warmth While my mind thinks of Mami and Papi thinking and praying of me too The trees sing me lullabies softly taking me to sleep

It is the next day Sun has come up through the swaying trees My body is up with a growling stomach and a parched throat I must persist, so I walk and find an open path I think to myself it must lead me to something or someone Only it does not My feet are stubborn and keep me moving I keep walking and finally see the light There is an ocean crystal blue Far away I can see the grayish, tower like buildings My shoulders relax and I smile But this moment lasts me a few seconds There is no one besides my helpless body I must keep walking and find someone