Artwork by Marshall Colman www.marshallcolman.com
When you’re a refugee
I come in peace, I’ve travelled from a war torn land
The boat we came in now lies broken on the sand
Our homes were bombed, our streets were filled with men dressed in black
To save our lives we had to run, there is no turning back
When you’re a refugee
You’re far away, you're living in a peaceful place
Your home and loved ones will tonight be warm and safe
On your TV you see us on the late evening news
From your armchair, you see it all, you have your personal views
About those refugees
Another night, it's cold we shelter where we can
The children cry and whimper, they don’t understand
The smells of fear and tear gas mingle on the night air
Through razor wire, beyond the fence, we grimly fix our stare
We are just refugees
You’re turning off your TV now it’s time for bed
Let's close the borders send them back, that’s what you said
You blame the crooks and traffickers for bringing them here
Your country has no room for more, the situations clear
You can’t take refugees
Sleep comes at last and in my dreams I’m searching for
Somewhere to live, a place to call my home once more
You waken sweating from your dream, your nightmares have begun
The boy on TV washed up on the beach is your own son
And you are refugees
We are all refugees
Chris Flegg © March 2016
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