Exodus

by Jim Hanafan

We have travelled for a while
To escape the fear within
Now we camp out on your borders
But you will not let us in

We are legion in our numbers
A swarm is not a sin
We’re fleeing persecution
But you will not let us in

We come from much disruption
Caused by fundamentalism
We look at you with hope and pray
But you will not let us in

Could you live like we had to
Could you bear the hate within
Wouldn’t you do like we all have
But you will not let us in

Europeans regard us
With an European grin
They watch with certain smugness
But you will not let us in

Our children’s eyes are streaming
Tear gas impacts on skin
Our hopes lie in your borders
But you will not let us in

Some arrive with no possessions
They arrive with just their skin
Refugees are only human
But you will not let us in

We’ve heard that we’ll be welcome
If we get to West Berlin
We’re stuck here on your borders
But you will not let us in

From: 
JH




Jim Hanafan's picture

ABOUT THE POET ~
Ex Soldier living in North Herts, writing poetry for a hobby, working hard for a living, in order to understand the poetry, understand the poet first., The British Army is famous throughout the world for its professionalism when it comes to soldiering. Foremost in the Confines of that wonderful organization is the Infantry, the Soldiers who are more likely that any other to face the Enemy in combat, and be called upon to kill or be killed., Infantry Soldiers are a breed apart from the rest of the Army, from their first day within the organization they are taught that they are the best, that their Regiment is the best, that they now belong to an exclusive club, a veritable Band of Brothers., My own journey into this world was achieved as a result of a stubborn streak, whatever I was told to do I would do the opposite., Although I never shone at school, it did infuse me with a love of the written word, particularly poems by the so called “War Poets” when I realised that these people were telling a story in the best way they could to make themselves & their situation understood., As they say in bad movies ”read 'em & weep”.


Last updated July 02, 2017