Better Days - An American Migrant Tale

Digital art by C. Sexton

I wrote the poem “Better Days” at the height of the most recent migrant crisis in 2023.  At the time, and even now, political tensions surrounding asylum seekers were high. It wasn’t difficult to find a myriad of opinions on the issue, some expressed with compassion, others with striking hostility.

No matter how those feelings were voiced, one thing remained clear: America had come to a crossroads, one that called us to reflect on who we are as human beings. Had we taken Lady Liberty for granted? Had we become territorial when someone from a foreign land chose not to, and in doing so, reminded us of something deeper?

Beyond the noise of debate, the conflict often felt fruitless, illuminating something more internal: our tendency to avoid confronting ourselves, our values, our potential, and the parts of us we quietly set aside.

The emotions and opinions surrounding this issue will always vary. I don’t claim mine to be right or wrong, only honest, only human.

Better Days 

If you thought better of yourself, would you think better of me?

If you knew how glorious we both were like the earth, wind, and sea?

I never learned how to digest my splendor, so I only digested your anger

Stains on your lap from unwelcomed tears as you held a stranger. 

If you knew my song, would you suddenly have the courage to sing? 

'ba do, wop-wop, ba do wop-wop,' as I secretly pledge allegiance to finer things. 

The quiet before your storm blinded your eyes, but strengthened my heels,

As you rendered yourself blind, deaf, and silent to the pain only I could feel. 

If my misery outweighed your grace, would you still struggle to set me free?

Would your dreams, bearing inconsistent pride, still struggle just to be?

Into your shadow, my life dissolved, but dissolution was my native land

Yet as our dance collided, I still reached out, fumbling, seeking, desiring your hand. 

If I raised my torch to your promise of salvation, could my dreams be so bold?

Scattered chaos, like embers from jagged wood where passion now unfolds.

In this space that mirrors our struggles, our stories become lost and intertwine, 

But grander now for you to discover your truth as I seek to recover mine. 

If you connected with this poem you might also enjoy "The Majestic" where similar lines are drawn regarding the feelings of Jesus and God.