Martín Espada "Floaters"

The transcript discusses a poem from a new book by WW Norton, inspired by a viral photograph of Salvadoran migrants who drowned crossing the Rio Grande. The poem addresses public reactions, including grief, outrage, and skepticism, and explores the term 'floaters' used by Border Patrol. It narrates the lives and tragic deaths of the migrants, Oscar and Valeria, and critiques societal responses to such tragedies.

Discuss the themes of grief and outrage as presented in the poem.

What role does the river play in the narrative of the poem?

What is the overall message the poet conveys through the poem?