‘Do Not Let Go of My Skirt…’

I am a single mother.

            My husband left us.

I have three children: 21, 17, 12.

            My oldest stayed in Honduras.

I told my daughter:

            ‘Do not let go of my skirt

            for the entire journey to the border.’

My son was important to have with us.

            He provided protection on the journey.

Another traveler disappeared.

            She was in her early twenties.

            We never saw her again.

We know what must’ve happened to her.

We are here to request asylum.

                                    Mother 2-17-15