The thought occurred to me
that my home country
is not unlike the planet Qi

likewise we have harnessed
the labor of legions
of lower caste denizens

they satisfy our endless needs
they do the work
we consider dirty deeds

they bring in our crops, put food on our table
and clean up our crumbs
because we are unable

they come to my country to find a better life
instead they live a life invisible
afraid we will raid to set an example

they dream to become citizens
but they can’t
because we label them …

illegal immigrants