Time to Write a Poem

April 10, 2022 California, Border State

California, Border State

I have a heart
and it bleeds for those
fleeing violence and poverty.

I love my beautiful, abundant state
and I'm proud of its progress.

As a humanitarian, I applaud
          my state's compassion for
          immigrants seeking a better life,
but question sanctuary cities,
restrictions on law enforcement
when encountering illegal immigrants,
free medical, education,
and housing for undocumented.

As a citizen I ask, how can we protect
against rapidly increasing fentanyl deaths,
          and violent crime traced back to the border crisis?
How many millions of uneducated, unvetted,
          dependents can we absorb and support?

As a taxpayer who picks up the bills, I ask
                    how much more can I afford?
                    Will I have to leave my native home
                    to preserve my standard of living?

I have a heart.
                             ~~Judi Van Gorder

Notes: ▶︎

"April 10 Poem--Free day"  
California pays the highest taxes in the country.
My state taxes increased 35% last year with no increase in income.