Ruthless succulents sparse acres of palms oh so delicate

ironwoods doves flapping under the eaves like flags

I know this is America because U.S. flags fly over gated

adobe condos and teachers argue about English only

because Mexicans die trekking in this desert for work –

as armed minutemen from 50 states stalk the border

desecrate indigenous lands with ATV’s

and high speed chases over fragile terrain

O’odham people offer water and food

to the migrants hospitals what ever needs

others also leave gallons of water at remote stations

for those making their claims coming home

Tohono O'odham means "the Desert People" and is the official name of a tribe that lives on a reservation in southern Arizona.