Abecedarian for Little Brothers at the Border
—in response to Lori Schreiner’s painting “We Have Each Other”
all light, those
brothers, ages 3 and 4,
carry each other
don’t dismiss their bravery
every step is theirs, every
fraction of their stride
gives hope to each refugee they pass
hate is nowhere, yet
it’s everywhere
just like survival
kicking wind
latching onto each other,
momma so far away in the
noise
oh, little boys
pink beneath your small shoes
quiet walking
residents to those awful borders
sunlight gold
traces one elbow, another’s head
unusually bright like a turban
voices magenta
where painting condemns
xenophobe, ignites
young brothers,
zealots
by Theresa Senato Edwards. Painting by Lori Schreiner.
Painting in response to Todd Heisler’s NYT’s photo.
Editor’s Note: This ekphrastic poem’s spare imagery is just enough to convey both hope and horror.
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