Compassionate Treatment

When faced with a humanitarian crisis,

We must act with understanding and sense.

In the past year we’ve had thousands of children

Fleeing their homelands to cross over our “fence.”

 

Refugees, victims--they have different reasons

For coming to America, for crossing frontiers.

They have the same motives that immigrants have had

For coming here for hundreds of years.

 

It’s true that we cannot house the world,

But people from various countries are assured

Due process according to our laws

When they seek refuge. Let’s keep our word.

 

But descendants of immigrants running this country

Have been determined to pick and choose

WHO could not be allowed to enter,

As in the 1940s when we turned away Jews.

 

It’s amazing, too, when our immigrant leaders--

Those who are lucky to be here--become

Arrogant, cold-hearted, unempathetic,

Xenophobic, bitter, and numb.

 

When the kids are bused to processing centers

And encounter Americans who shout and rail

And hold up their signs filled with hatred and ignorance,

They encounter behavior that’s beyond the pale.

 

Compassionate ways to solve the problem

Should be our focus--NOT abuse.

Let’s hope that the vast majority of Americans

Are much more caring and not so obtuse.

(7-13-14)