Editor’s note: This poem is part of our #SpreadTheWord poem of the week series, featuring works based on Injustice Watch reporting. This poem was inspired by the article, “Immigration detention deaths reach the highest total since 2009“. For more poetry in this series, click here.
Atreyee Gupta
point to a spot
call it home
—
I will show you a person
unable to live there
put a sign over the tent
label it
sanctuary
—
guns will be at the entrance
to keep out anyone
wrestle a place
of welcome
out of palm trees
clean water flowing
for all
—
boundaries will be drawn
for halves and have-not
do you know of a
paradise
where we can be
loved
I withdraw to fire escapes
terrified lonely
counting all the gatekeepers
except me
no need for countries now we’re not safe
anywhere
Atreyee Gupta explores the liminal spaces of nature, culture, and identity. Atreyee writes about travel and its transformative experiences at Bespoke Traveler. Atreyee’s work has been published by Arc Poetry, Blue Cubicle Press, Jaggery, Shanghai Literary Review, and Sunlight Press among others.
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Borderlands
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Editor’s note: This poem is part of our #SpreadTheWord poem of the week series, featuring works based on Injustice Watch reporting. This poem was inspired by the article, “Immigration detention deaths reach the highest total since 2009“. For more poetry in this series, click here.
point to a spot
call it home
—
I will show you a person
unable to live there
put a sign over the tent
label it
sanctuary
—
guns will be at the entrance
to keep out anyone
wrestle a place
of welcome
out of palm trees
clean water flowing
for all
—
boundaries will be drawn
for halves and have-not
do you know of a
paradise
where we can be
loved
I withdraw to fire escapes
terrified lonely
counting all the gatekeepers
except me
no need for countries now we’re not safe
anywhere
Atreyee Gupta explores the liminal spaces of nature, culture, and identity. Atreyee writes about travel and its transformative experiences at Bespoke Traveler. Atreyee’s work has been published by Arc Poetry, Blue Cubicle Press, Jaggery, Shanghai Literary Review, and Sunlight Press among others.