I close my eyes, I try to sleep, but then I dream.

My dreams are troubled,

peopled by the faces of little children held in cages.

I hear the sound of their wailing, of callous guards mocking them.

I see arrogant men saying these little children are dangerous,

that taking them from their parents is biblical.

But I know better. I know Jesus said “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”

and held them on his lap.

I know Paul really said, “I will show you a more excellent way”, the way of love.

I dream that I am a mother making a long, difficult journey

from a land of violence, a land of fear.

I have heard the United States is different, that people here don’t live in fear.

I walk with my little child over mountains, cross rivers, and finally – miracle!

I reach the border. I walk up to the guard,

I do not attempt to cross illegally – I want a land where I can live safely.

I ask for asylum.

But then, I am confused.

someone takes my child away – and they lock me up.

But I was seeking asylum! I was seeking safety.

Now my nights are troubled – in my dreams I hear her crying.

No one can tell me where my child is. I call her name but no one answers.

And then I wake, I am not that sleepless mother, I am not that wailing child –

but Jesus said, “What you have done to the least of these, my children, you have done to me.” (Matthew 25)

God help us all!

Joyce Alexander, 6-24-18