Analysis of “Second Attempt Crossing” by Javier Zamora
The title of the poem “Second attempt crossing” refers to going past America’s boundary into the country. One would expect the author to begin the poem with a feeling of fear, danger, and peril, as the title suggests a risky mission. However, Zamora opens the poem in a light sense by painting a picture of a place filled with lots of natural elements despite being a desert. He mentions that they are in the middle of that desert that is surrounded by, among other things, acacia, coyotes, and whiptails (Zamora, 2016). Zamora refers to the desert in several instances throughout the poem with a specific interest in the natural scenic beauty that the place offers.
The author switches from the detailed description of nature to Chino to bring out man’s theme versus nature. The poet uses Chino’s humanity to show empathy and not the cruelty linked with the man. The poem makes me sympathize with migrants trying to get access to the United States. I identify with the herd and want them to safely move away from La Migra since I dislike the white trucks filled with personnel armed with guns. The individuals who the writer references as a herd is seeking access to a land of profound opportunities. However, it is a rough mission since they have to dodge that border patrol, who are not ready to let them into the county.
Forty individuals are turned into a herd of animals while escaping from border patrol. This is one of a metaphor that the author uses to compare animalistic instincts of not having rational thoughts instead of just following the pack. Despite Zamora’s direct use of repetition in a reasonably understandable way, I failed to comprehend why he used it when talking about Chino’s MS13 tattoo. Further, the murder of Chino left me with many questions, such as, did he have to lose his life, and is death what awaits migrants in the United States.
Reference
Zamora, J. (2016). “Second Attempt Crossing” Web.