June 26, 2018

Triple A

We've lost the keys to the car and there may or may not be a spare
in the glovebox, and my mother is already retrieving her membership card to AAA
and dialing the number. When someone picks up, she introduces herself,
as if this person might recognize her, and at first, I think it's strange - why
is a name more important than the problem? And then I remember, 
I've heard her do this countless times - calls to the bank, the internet service provider,
the plumber during the busy winter season. Each time, she identifies herself, 
as if placing the emphasis on the fact of her personhood. And of course, now,
this makes me think of the thousands of families desperate at the border, pleading
for help. Who is listening for their names? Who is coming to unlock the door?