​Post-NAFTA Land Crossing​

Issue 10

Heavy footsteps carve a winding snake trail
into the desert soil. They weave
around the creosote and agave.
The weight of leaving all behind
is more than anyone
should carry, but there are few
options. Hollow echoes
credible fear-cries for help
dissolve into emptiness.
Or they are greeted
with cuffs and cages
or with vigilante bullets that pierce
the Chihuahuan night sky
chase the stars, but leave no trail
of light to wish upon.
They dream in sacrifice, a reminder
of the peace and promise at the heart
of the journey. Something we all crave
even if only in a whisper.
What do I share with those who traverse
this dry expanse?

---

Lauren Oertel ​is a community organizer based in Austin, TX. Her work has been published in The Ravens Perch, Evening Street Review, Gemini Magazine, Last Stanza Poetry Journal, Noyo Review, The Bloom, Steam Ticket, The Bluebird Word, MONO., Mystic Owl Magazine, Bridge Eight, and The Sun Magazine.

---