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Ode to Border Journey

jocelyn martinez chavez

Oh, crossing between borders, a journey so profound,

Step by step, I make my way to where experiences are found.

Faster than the car side, I stride with purpose and grace,

Feeling the sun's warm rays, a gentle embrace.

 

From a distance, I see the oficiales' committed stance,

Migra officers, with their sharp-eyed glance.

In Juarez, once crossed, I am greeted with smiles so bright,

Oficiales engage in life news, their spirits light.

 

In Juarez, love, cuisine, and fun await,

Every week, my solecito and I celebrate.

Tacos, enchiladas, carne asada, a feast so grand,

En cines, Takis, and Doritos popcorn flavors that expand.

 

Yet, in El Paso, protocols and affirmations greet,

Questions and stares, sharp-eyes that seek.

Returning to safety, family, and opportunity,

Juarez, though charming, holds dangers with uncertainty.

 

El Paso, a calm city where peace prevails,

My family seeks the American Dream, where hard work entails.

Living with less debt, better conditions in sight,

Providing a better life, striving with all our might.

 

Oh, crossing between borders, a journey so profound,

In Juarez and El Paso, our lives are bound.

With love, food, and dreams so bright,

We walk this path day and night.

Jocelyn Martinez Chavez wrote this poem based on their experiences and views on the border between El Paso and Juarez.

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