Zero Tolerance

The following is the winner of the Term 2 Melhuish Writing competition in which Grade 9 students were required to write a ballad. Where is my son? The father asked. From screaming he was sore Eyes looked at him behind a mask No one could tell him more. The agents shrugged. One made a call. “Your son’s not coming back,” They threw him up against a wall His heart stopped in its track. Too far away, in Delaware A little boy arrives He knows to speak he mustn’t dare To make it out alive. And there he was, this little boy Alone in parts unknown He’d never owned a single toy And yet he longed for home. The agent’s shift ended at four His face showed no remorse Tomorrow he’ll be back for more Strict laws he must enforce. And so he turns his TV on He’s done enough today Those immigrants are long past gone God Bless the USA. Where is my son? The father asked. From pleading he was sore Eyes looked at him behind a mask His son he’d see no more. Ana C, Hope ‘22