The Promise

they promised a place to live
a high rise tower condo
not far from a big shopping center
running water
electric lights
television sets that were
in Mother's language.

we climbed fences,
slipped past border patrols
slept on the ground
and saw the town dumps
looking for food

we came to the lady
in the harbor
and she held up her torch
promising us a change
and we waited patiently
in line

we didn't speak english
didn't read or write
and didn't have jobs
but we believed in the
promise.

we have to live in shelters
cardboard boxes
on top of the Amtrak station
to stay warm

we see our friends
once in a while while
working for a farmer
in California
picking cabbages

some went home
others in the hospital
Jose had a spider bite
and almost died

but we still believe
in the Promise
of a better life.
no high rise condo
but then there is a freedom
She still holds the torch.