La luz está al final! (The light is at the end)

My name is Santos.

I escaped my country to try to find my father in America.

He had to leave to try and make money for my family,

but I cannot live without him.

Deep in my heart, I know that I have the courage of a lion.

Yes, my heart is as a den for many lions who are just dying to burst out.

The months it took me to get this far, I cannot remember how long it has been...

Miles and miles - walking, hiding... walking, hiding...

I am sorry for all the food that I had to steal to stay alive along the way...

My feet are sore but strong.

My mind is weary but fierce.

I am from El Salvador,

but this new, hopeful country, I wish to explore.

The border fence stretches as far as my eyes can see.

The sun strikes the surface of my brown skin with a gentle hand of paternal love.

Beads of sweat fall down my face.

I look up at the blue sky and feel proud and finally free,

for just a few minutes.

The border patrol man asked me what papers I had,

I began to cry, and cry, and cry, for the first time in forever.

Brushing the tears away, I take a pee on the border fence,

and I wince and breathe deeply because I'd come so far...

Under my breath, I whispered to myself...

"No te rindas! La luz está al final!"

The light was at the end...

but it came from the hope that still roared within my warrior-heart and the sun above,

not from the country on the other side...