july twenty first two thousand and six–poem from a deportee

The following presentation was made by Dave Kalloor at the Austin, TX action in support of World Refugee Day, June 20, 2011–gm

In my hands, I have a poem written by one of my closest friends, who was detained and deported by ICE nearly five years ago.

july twenty first two thousand and six

I spell these words out for a reason
not to dramatize the meanin’
but to show you what I’m feelin’
am I dreamin’
or does my life really have me reelin’?

Is my religion such a cause for concern?
or is it my race that makes you spurn?
why do you hate me?
weren’t you supposedly built on unity?

I know I’m not an aboriginal,
but does that mean you should treat me like a criminal?

They took me away as I looked in my mom’s crying eyes
not giving me an opportunity to say my goodbyes
They tell me my appeal has been refused
but my ego cannot be bruised.

As they take me away to my new place,
They cuff my hands putting me through more disgrace
But remember my face
Because this smile you’ll never erase.

As I arrive in my cell,
I remind myself this isn’t a place for me to dwell
I don’t belong in this man made hell.

I know this game is just a business
For ICE I’m just another purchase

I go to my bunk as I realize the reality
And try to sleep before I lose my sanity

As the murky shadows start to clear
I realize I have nothing to fear

Rest assured that I won’t stop
This is my way out

I’m not doing this for some widespread acclaim
Because in the end we’re all the same.

Written by A079 005 390

These letters and numbers identify someone who has been caught up in the cruel and unjust machine of ICE. But it did not, and will never have the power to bring down the heart and spirit of one of my brother and closest friends.