Coyotes Cross The Border Poem by Chuck Toll

The coyote was annoyed the van was late.
A dusty cloud, though, signaled its approach,
And soon Ramon was there and beckoning
Those inside. Nine shapes in all climbed out.

“Coň o! ” The man stared balefully at the old couple,
The heavily pregnant woman, the two children.
A slow trip tonight. “You know we walk ten miles? ”
They nodded stolidly as Ramon took their money.

The grimy bills and coins had bought this chance
To stumble through the dark at risk of nightmares
Animal and human. They prayed they’d found
An honest guide who would not rob or leave them.

The man tossed his beer can Into the twilight silence
And motioned the group to take their packs, “Vamos.”