Lisa DeSiro
Going through Customs after the Travel Ban
The moving multitude of our bodies collectively forms a single body.
The moving multitude of our bodies collectively forms a single body.
Snaking back and forth between stanchions and stretched barrier belts.
Snaking back and forth between stanchions and stretched barrier belts.
We are a procession. Like letters and words in lines of poetry. Verses.
We are a procession. Like letters and words in lines of poetry. Verses.
The metaphor is of plowing rows in a field, turning (vertere = to turn).
The metaphor is of plowing rows in a field, turning (vertere = to turn).
Much diversity in this conglomeration of faces, figures, shapes, sizes.
Much diversity in this conglomeration of faces, figures, shapes, sizes.
But those in closest proximity become familiar upon repeated passing.
But those in closest proximity become familiar upon repeated passing.
The black man; the Asian family; the young woman wearing a hijab.
The black man; the Asian family; the young woman wearing a hijab.
The blond teenager with tattoos; the middle-aged white obese couple.
The blond teenager with tattoos; the middle-aged white obese couple.
Uniformed officials guide us, pointing the way. We are questioned.
Uniformed officials guide us, pointing the way. We are questioned.
We are searched, scanned. Some get stamped approval to pass through.
We are searched, scanned. Some get stamped approval to pass through.
Those allowed to enter are greeted by crowds, cheers, banners & balloons.
Those allowed to enter are greeted by crowds, cheers, banners & balloons.
Lawyers hold up signs (Free Legal Help) and a pair of police officers watch.
Lawyers hold up signs (Free Legal Help) and a pair of police officers watch.
Lisa DeSiro is the author of the chapbook Grief Dreams (White Knuckle Press, June 2017). Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Commonthought, Friends Journal, The Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review, and other journals. Along with her MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University, Lisa has degrees from Binghamton University, Boston Conservatory, and Longy School of Music. She works as a production and editorial assistant for C.P.E. Bach: The Complete Works and is an accomplished pianist.
SUBMIT to What Rough Beast via our SUBMITTABLE site.
If you want to support the mission and work of Indolent Books, consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Indolent Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity.
Join our mailing list to receive news, updates, and special offers from Indolent Books.