La Migra

“La Migra” is a diptych, a unit that consists of two closely related parts. The word diptych (Greek for “folded in two”) more often describes visual artwork, such as painted or carved panels hinged together; the format is traditionally used in religious art for private devotion or as altar decoration. However, it also refers to literary works containing two parallel, contrasting, or complementary parts, often telling the same story from opposing perspectives. This format creates a dialogue between two points of view, the juxtaposition more deeply illuminating each side of the binary. Neither a poem representing only the Border Patrol’s viewpoint nor one depicting only the migrants’ outlook would be as revealing and dynamic as “La Migra,” where the intra-stanzaic tension produces powerful effects. Moreover, the two-part form has symbolic significance: The Border Patrol speaks first, symbolizing his authority—but because the Mexican woman speaks last, she has the “last word,” which is, essentially, the higher authority. This ironic reversal accentuates the dramatic action of the cat-and-mouse game.

While the diptych form lends the narrative a definitive structure, the poem is written in free verse, meaning it has neither regular meter nor rhyme pattern. This prosodic liberty enhances the effect of two contrasting personae, as the unrestrained diction can more particularly embody the speakers’ personalities; the poem employs simple diction and sentence structure, which reflect the speakers’ motivations and speech patterns. The Border Patrol agent’s purpose is to assert his authority, give commands, and issue threats. Therefore, his language is assertive and straightforward. The Mexican woman initially responds with equal directness, using many of the same words (jeep, badge, gun) but giving them a different connotation. While they symbolize strength and power in the agent’s speech, in her retort they stand for impediment and weakness. The second half of her statement, however, becomes more suggestive and figurative. When she says, “I am not alone” (Line 30), she implies not only that there are many migrants in a position like hers but also that they constitute a community founded on solidarity. They may be pursued by the Border Patrol, but they are “singing / and laughing” (Lines 31-32), which suggests their high spirits. While the agent’s speech is aggressive, the woman’s words are more playful and self-possessed. Although the language is plain throughout the poem, subtle differences in tone create two strongly distinct voices and two very different temperaments and frames of mind.