A great distance

When reading through the various works within Javier Zamora’s Unaccompanied poetry collection the work that held the most impact on me was his poem titled: Then, it Was So. My attention was captivated by the first stanza. “To tell you I was leaving” (Line 1) At first we wonder where it is this character is leaving to, but quickly realize with the context of his other works that this is likely someone preparing for their trip across the border. The character deals with the many anxieties that come with such a dangerous and risky trip. Within the second stanza, we see the longing that leaving your home country causes. While many do seek and receive a better life within the States, it’s hard to say if those benefits outweigh the distance one is from their family. “That dawn, I needed to say / you remind me of my father” (Lines 23-24) This stanza really shows the trend within Hispanic families and the common immigration towards the United States. Highlighting the effect it has on the family that’s left behind, but ultimately becoming a realization point when one recognizes that they too must make the same decision. Javier Zamora’s Then, it Was So showcases the story and struggle shared by many Hispanic families. Giving recognition to the often ignored heavy sacrifices made by these families. The process of immigration is often belittled, but Zamora makes sure that readers are made aware of the various aspects within. The grief and longing caused by the great separation, the danger and risk of the treacherous journey through the grueling and unforgiving desert. As well as the constant fear of having all that sacrifice and work be negated through an unfortunate encounter with I.C.E 

My question is: within the final stanza of this poem, you use an unemptied “Bucket of mosquitoes” as imagery for leaving, why this specific item?

– Eduardo Ojeda Jr