I have not known the br Salty taste the ocean br Leaves settled in the br Mouths of drown victims br That died trying to become br Americans. br br Or the passion br Burning the throat like br Bile but sweet fermenting br Into desire that fills br The mind of those br Packed inside container br Ship boxes overflowing br (Not only with the stench br Of human excrement br And those producing it) br But mostly hope. br br I did not agree to pay br $35,000 with br Money, I did not have br Bartering my body br Into prostitution, crime br Or worse for years to br Repay this debt if I br Survive to set foot upon br That shore. br br There was no pain, br Fear of death, br Ugliness, br Money spent. br br I was born into br This dream of hope, freedom br And opportunity.