Finding America in Her Sanctuary Cities

The following poem was first posted on April 23, 2017, as part of my Journalistic Poetry series, "Bearing Witness to the Times." The issues of immigration and sanctuary cities are still very much in the news. Last week came word that "A federal court has ruled against the Trump administration in a lawsuit over funding for 'sanctuary cities.' ” That particular court ruling had to do with the city of Seattle, WA. Previous court rulings have already ruled in favor of cities in California.

This week we have had reports of troops being sent to the border to stop the caravan from Central American (even though they are still a couple of weeks away, but midterm elections are next week, so it makes for good election drama), and plans for an executive order to end birthright citizenship (even though it is a constitutional right and even Paul Ryan says he can't take that away – but it makes for good election drama).

May we never forget that we are a place of sanctuary for refugees seeking asylum. May we not lose sight of the fact that we are a nation of immigrants. May we always remember that welcoming the immigrant strengthens us a nation.

In our sanctuary cities, may we find America; may we find ourselves.

San Francisco is one of several sanctuary cities    (Photo by Kaddi Sudhi)
(Headline from Reuters)


Sanctuary Cities

Across the country
Cities rise –
Reaching for humanity,
Calling upon our higher nature.

While often seen
As places of danger –
Cruel life on the streets
And hideouts for our greatest evil –
Cities also gather our greatest good,
Presenting skills of workers
Talents of artists
And dreams of seekers.

Today
While a nation constricts,
Guarding its borders
And hoarding its treasure,
Some cities rise in freedom.

Some cities proclaim our best,
Welcoming the stranger
And speaking to the hopes of our ancestors.

Defying bitter politics of fear,
Sanctuary cities offer shelter
And refuge
To all who have heard the call
Of Lady Liberty
In New York Harbor.

While politicians cry
“We are a nation of laws,”
Our conscience cries,
“We are a nation of immigrants.”

It is to the city that we come.
We come to find ourselves,
We come to find America.

                                                           ~ CK


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Photo by Mike Blake (Reuters)

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