tidal arrival is wave agony
a Syrian man a refugee
still standing in shallows
dark undercurrent shadows
epic fleeing war mass millions
Syria torn apart tear politics
a coastline seashore reached
soon to emerge from the sea
face in stress trauma twisted
his daughter in green life jacket
held in father's right arm clings
to his neck for security comfort
held above cold water threat
slightly older son buries face
in father's chest is held tight
still standing waist deep in waters
fears crossing illegal to Europe to
unknown veiled future uncertainties
some insulated
by wealth power
greed
living
in the lap
of luxury
living
in excessive lap
luxury
label such parents
children terrorists
persecute victims
but feeling
humane people
possessing
a balanced
rational mind
heart good
see their own faces
reflected in suffering
humanity feel pity
compassion
love for fellow
human beings
think but
for the grace
of God
or lucky
geographic
location
of our countries
blessed in peace goes
the fate of thy and me.
Copyright © Terence George Craddock
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
We have been extremely fortunate to be enjoying more serene waters with the occasional shark here in New Zealand......Your poem evokes so many thoughts of fleeing ones homeland and not welcomed elsewhere anywhere. To be standing in shallow water...a form of no mans land for this man....10