THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ANDREW CARLOS

by Joanne Kennedy Frazer

Cartoon by Nick Anderson

I am American

adopted 24 years ago

from Peten.

 

I am Guatemalan 

proud of my 

Mayan heritage.

 

I am American 

in a large family that I love 

(mom, dad, sisters, aunts, 

uncles, cousins, grandparents).

 

I am Guatemalan 

Some Americans are angry

that I am here 

in their country. 

 

I am American

work fulltime, 

attend university,

pay taxes, vote.

 

I am Guatemalan  

many who look like me

are torn from their

American lives

sent to detention centers

no due process. 

.

I am an American 

whose family 

is gravely concerned

for my welfare 

in these times.

 

I am a Guatemalan-American citizen.

Author's note: This is my grandson's life right now...I feel it needs to be shared.  

Joanne Kennedy Frazer, a retired peace and justice director and educator for faith-based organizations, began writing poetry in her third stage of life, and has now been published more than 80 times in a variety of literary venues. Five poems were turned into a song cycle, Resistance, by composer Steven Luksan, and performed in Seattle and Durham. Her last chapbook, Seasonings (Kelsay Books), was nominated for the Eric Hoffer Book Award. She lives in Raleigh, NC.

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