Pride

Heavy accent
Proud and strong
Sunken eyes pulled from behind by sadness
Aching heart,
Resignation

Grandparents and parents torn from their home
Beaten
Broken
Burnt
Survivors of horrors beyond our imagination

Now in a foreign land
Poor
Belittled
Resented
But proud, strong, alive

Intelligent, knowing
Kind and true
Observing the indigenous with raised eyebrows
Weighty sigh

This oozing integrity touches my soul
A connection is made
I will not forget
Respect

A window into their lives:-

A window into their lives:-

We are invited yet not wanted
Welcomed yet feared
Needed but resented
Our visits are unprepared for
Our presence demanded in desperation

Unshaven legs, dirty laundry
Dishes left out, bodies unwashed
Excuses made, apologies and explanations
It's all irrelevant

What happened here?
What's your story?

Tears and despair,
The true face of fear
worlds turned upside down
Lovers torn apart
Families strewn to the winds

Doors slam shut and fingers are crossed
Throats choke with lumps
Lips are stiffened
Everybody waits....,,,