CPTnet
9 July 2007
BORDERLANDS POEM: Shoelaces

by Haven Whiteside

[Note: Whiteside wrote the following on the morning of June 30, 2007, as
four CPTers helped at a respite station for returned migrants, just over the
border in Nogales, a town in the Mexican state of Sonora. People wishing to
follow the progress of Christian Peacemaker Team's Borderland's Witness
drive may do so at http://cptborderlandswitness.blogspot.com/]

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.