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.
Aliah Candia es estudiante en su último año en la Universidad de Texas en El Paso. Estudiando Escritura Creativa, ha publicado dos poemas en la revista creativa Windward Review 2022 de la Universidad Texas A&M y presenta el Writer's Theatre en Aaron and George's Film Cafe cada último sábado del mes. Como cronista, Aliah se inspira en sus emociones y curiosidad por la vida, el amor y el anhelo por su pasado.


