Refugee

One does not tremble before a man she esteems
Certainly not before the one she finds dignified
No; it would be contrary to Mother Nature herself
It is before a dangerous man that one trembles!
And it is from a murderous man that one flees!

There are times when storms rage and rivers swell
Times, too, when earth quakes strike remorselessly
Times when the sun bakes all around it wickedly
And there are times when a conflagration occurs
Rendering man, woman, child and beast rootless 

If one could control the winds and arrest the tsunami
Many a stranded woman would not have left home
If one could summon the rain clouds to donate a tear
In regular fashion and without undue discrimination
Even Darfur and Ethiopia and Arabia would rejoice  

Is she from Mars that you should call her alien?
Is she a child of a beast that you should deny her?
Did she choose to be born poor that you should shun her?
Oh lucky children in Europe and America and elsewhere!
Find in your golden hearts room for just one more refugee!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Adams Avatar
September 22, 2013 at 4:40 PM
very deep poem that tugs at the heartstrings...so many thoughts to ponder over...one cannot imagine the life of a refugee unless they lived it...enjoyed the read!
Kithinji Avatar
October 3, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Sandra, Christopher- thank you for your choice words.
Michaels Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 1:45 AM
A Great detail poem. I can feel this poem is coming from your "Heart"
Koven Avatar
September 19, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Why is someone born in a country like America and another in a troubled land? Perhaps we all have a purpose to fulfill. Yours is probably in Nigeria. Be a blessing to your people. They are your family. Allan
Kithinji Avatar
September 19, 2013 at 5:39 PM
Allan, a poet does not always speak for a defined class or colour or creed. Your question has been answered further down in the comments. It helps to read a bit more. For what purpose would you say you were born wherever you were born?
Barton Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 10:58 PM
This is a wonderfully detailed and deep poem I loved it ~Maddie
Ruebel Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Hello Gerald, You have left me with lots to ponder. Very deep and concerning write dear poet. Full of truth and from the deepest of hearts. Well done. As Always, Shar
Kithinji Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 4:30 PM
Sharon, Devnath, Andrea, Giorgio, Peter, Eileen- you are avid readers and I appreciate your visit and value your input, as always. My thanks also to those who read- without more. I notice with thanks.
Devnath  Avatar
September 18, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Surely a very nice voice of your soft heart. Wonderfully expressed. Loved always, bl
Dietrich Avatar
September 17, 2013 at 11:35 PM
A heartfelt poem. There are sadly too many refugees in a world that should have none at all. it must be so difficult for them and they need for people to respect them and love them.
Manassian Avatar
September 17, 2013 at 3:15 PM
OH MY!!! WHAT A POWERFUL WRITE! Where have you been hiding??? You are an amazing poet! I applaud you! BEAUTIFUL in every way...sad...haunting...yet full of truth and beauty!
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