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MIGRANT BOAT

it casts off from the quay 
to cross short stretch of sea   
heading for foreign shore 
with migrants from afar  

they leave place of despair 
to start new life but where
the boat is sitting low 
the swell begins to grow  

and then the sea spills in
passengers panicking
beneath the cold moonlight
the boat rolls left and right

all now are on the brink
as boat begins to sink
soon all are in the sea
but crew quickly swim free

life jackets they have on
but passengers have none
and never reach the shore
then gone for evermore

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Brian Sambourne

Date: 8/14/2023 2:06:00 PM

You've taken the tragic headlines of migrants in peril to give news a poetic force of lives endangered. Sadly there isn't more compassion for people fleeing persecution. A fine write, with a conscience. Best wishes, Brian

Tony Hargreaves
Date: 8/17/2023 11:27:00 AM

Many thanks Brian. These are mostly desperate people trying to escape persecution. On the news today I learn of more being lost at sea on overloaded inflatables. These criminals that run the game must be the lowest form of life. I worry. What can we do? Take care. Tony.

Gary Radice

Date: 6/30/2023 12:17:00 AM

One of the greatest human tragedies of our time and one that politicians and people in power dont seem capable of putting right anytime soon. How many more lives will be lost? Your poem tackles the emotive subject very well and doesn't pull any punches. Cheers - Gary

Tony Hargreaves
Date: 7/4/2023 8:59:00 AM

Thanks Gary. Many spend their life savings (and more) for a chance to escape a desperate life. Their lives now gone. Their savings now in the pockets of ruthless people who are making vast profits. Tony

Rev. Catherine Cassell

Date: 6/29/2023 11:25:00 AM

So tragic and tue. What a great expression of your thougts.

Tony Hargreaves
Date: 7/4/2023 9:15:00 AM

Many thanks Catherine. These boat people are being 'ripped off' by criminals who care for nothing but their own gain. And there are no safety standards - not even life jackets for the 'victims'. Take care. Tony.