ASYLUM

We look for asylum

Mama taught me

to say in English

as we distanced ourselves

from war, falling bombs

falling buildings

fear of guns, knives

and men who used them

who did unspeakable deeds

in the dead of night.

Eastward, ever eastward

set adrift from country

from family

from Papa

Burning sand, blistered bitumen

dry, cracked skin and shoe leather

Discarding things as we worked out

what we could live without.

Days became weeks became months

became who knows how long

as one foot in front of the other

moving, moving all the time

the rising sun showed us the way

as each day stretched out

much like the one before.

We look for asylum, Mama said

but no welcome mat

no open arms.

The eyes said it all

Move on, not here, no room, move on

so move we did, further still

from home

from Papa

by any means possible.

Then southward we were told

was the way to go

to find our freedom and new home.

So south we went

day in, day out

week in, week out

until the land ran out.

Now set adrift once more

we desert people

out of our depth

All at sea on a bottomless ocean.

Blue sky above

now a menacing bruise

descending

as the elements unleash

their worst and conspire to take

our vessel

our bodies

our spirits.

When all seemed lost

a distant light spelled hope.

As lightning split the heavens

thunder shook us to the core

soaring black 
walls of water rose,

hung suspended

crashed and

sent us sprawling.

I still can taste cold

salt water on my tongue

Plucked by strong hands

dumped on the deck

placed in a spot

a sad and sorry

wet bedraggled lot.

Hope rises yet again

for this boat will not sink.

The stranger’s eyes meet mine

as he utters things I do not understand

so I speak the only words I know.

You take us to the asylum now?

Di Adams

© 2014