Support the Immigrant Children
Welcome Immigrant Children
I wrote Welcome Immigrant Children to read on July 7, 2014, at the peace poetry reading produced by the Revolutionary Poets Brigade/San Francisco, the World Poetry Movement and Laborfest 2014. I wrote this poem in protest and shame that people could be so cruel to the immigrant children, especially since we are a nation of immigrants.
A few days later, I had the opportunity to be in the recording studio with four fantastic musicians of generous hearts and great creativity. I read them my poem and within minutes they composed the musical accompaniment on the spot.
Musicians accompany Welcome Immigrant Children reading
Edgardo Cambon added his guitar and the flamenco-esque vocal giving the prose-like poem a lyric quality echoing the pain I felt when I saw images of the children sleeping on the floor in detention, that evoked the original writing of the poem. He also brought in the inventive percussive finger snaps conveying the urgency of the situation. Diana Gameros added her evocative tender voice and guitar reinforcing the strong urge to protect the children. Jose Roberto Hernandez contributed the guitar.
With no rehearsal, we recorded the poem instantly and spontaneously. Please it share widely with your circles.
You can hear these musicians perform in a concert, “Canciones del Mar/ Songs of the Sea” on Sat. July 19 at 8:30 pm aboard the tall ship Balcutha on the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco.
Welcome Immigrant Children, Bienvenidos
We are deeply sorry that our tax dollars controlled by the corporate elites drove you from your family and homeland
by Nina Serrano
We open our arms
our hearts
our nurseries
our schools
our playgrounds
our sports fields
our youth programs
our after-school programs
for your healthy development
for your growing minds
for your creative spirits
Welcome Children!
May you find safe beds
affectionate adults to guide you
nutritious food
toys and tools to stretch your imagination.
Children are born to be happy.
May you fulfill your dreams!
© Nina Serrano, 2014
MEDIA – For photos & interviews: Paul Richards (510) 967 5577; paulrichards@estuarypress.com
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