I have spoken with young men,
who were forced to up and run.
Seen the wounds they carry,
from the barrel of someones gun.
I have Spoken with women,
women with tears in eyes that burn.
As they relate what was done,
because they wanted just to learn.
Ive seen teenage girls running,
in fear for their own lives.
Because someone has told them,
they must become someones wives.
I sat with the old men,
whose spirit would not yield.
And heard how rains of bombs,
were dropped upon their field.
I have heard the many stories,
of families torn apart.
Heard of those still missing,
and the pain in fragmented heart.
I've heard of persecutions,
because of the differing of views.
The scores of people disappeared,
without even making evening news.
I met with many others,
and watched and heard them pray.
Running in fear because for them,
it means death to live your life as gay.
I have talked with the children,
all facing life alone.
Parents not seen,
since the houses all got blown.
These most horrible of all things,
most of you will never see.
But someone needs to tell you
these are the lives lived for many a refugee.
So many stories.... be thankful of where you are born or live... I am.
This poem could have gone for pages more. I spoke with hundreds of asylum seekers over 13 years. edited 17th March 2019
