choices at a border

where people are fleeing poverty and violence

     tear down the walls
they've always been obsolete

we are witnessing an arrival

one of many
there are choices to be made

if your job is that of an armored fence

     drop your weapon
          open your heart

if you're building with steel and razor wire

     stop
and walk away

if you go to worship

leave the church doors unlocked

bring food and water and love

to your neighbor

listen for the voices of conscience

and join in
     if you don't hear any
scream it out yourself

beginning now

you are a witness

--- e b bortz