Shoelaces

Thoughts on the morning of June 30, 2007, as four CPTers helped at a respite station for returned migrants, just over the border in Mexico.

SHOELACES
by Haven Whiteside, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

Shoelaces, shoelaces, what do they mean?

More than you think, consider the scene.

Moving north they hold shoes firm on your feet,

Strong for walking, and your heart strong too.

Over the border to the land of opportunity,

How far would you walk to feed your family?

A dozen, a hundred, a thousand miles if you could,

And your shoes have their laces: life is good.

Shoelaces, shoelaces, in plastic bags

With all your possessions, and Border Patrol tags.

You still have your shoes, but cannot walk far,

Just back to Mexico from the Border Patrol car.

Your trip is over, your journey just begun;

At Mariposa crossing there’s no need to run.

Sarah brings a drink from Gilbert in the back;

There is medical aid, and food for a snack.

Home is not near: a thousand miles to the south;

And if you were there you’d see empty mouths.

So you’ll keep on going, try it again

Walking the desert with a dozen of them.

Following the law of survival,

Though you break laws of men.

Shoelaces tell the story: are they out, are they in?

Are you hopeful today, or is your hope growing dim?

May God bless your shoelaces,

as you put them back in.

Lord, bless these shoelaces.

Let the journey begin.

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