All during the holidays we hear our old favorite songs and ones newly written ones. I can’t help thinking about all the “invaders” stuck down in Mexico who are going to have a horrible Christmas this year. And I’m not talking about gifts or a sparkly tree. These people have fled intolerable conditions in their home countries and are now having to tolerate terrible physical conditions in Mexico. Regardless of what your opinion is on immigration, whether you do consider them invaders or not, no one should have to spend Christmas day packed into tents.
This poem was written after I heard the story about a man and his daughter who were seeking asylum and forced back into Mexico. When finally they were allowed in to plead their case, the daughter was malnourished and sick and she subsequently died. No Christmas joy for that man this year! (can be sung to the tune of the popular song “Hallelujah”)
Broken Hallelujah
He walked the thousand miles to here
With his daughter and had no fear;
Stopped and ask us for asylum.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
He let himself be taken in
Didn’t see crossing the border as a sin;
Fleeing the horrors from where he came from.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
It now was almost Christmas day
He and his daughter continued to pray
That our great nation would grant him asylum.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Instead he was told to turn away
He could not stay for even a day
And spent the week on a cot with little food.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
They finally let them cross the line
But for his daughter it wasn’t in time
She died and Christmas did not to come this year.
Hallelujah, Halle…
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