Calais Jungle Poem by Elizabeth Padillo Olesen

They find this jungle a place
to rest from their escape or journey
between life and death,
claiming a space on earth
as temporary home and transit.

They're called refugees,
Illegal aliens or immigrants -
arriving by fragile boats,
stowing away in trains and ferries,
smuggled or hidden in lorries.

Feared and looked at
as eyesores in a jungle,
their temporary homes
are once again dismantled-
denying them this little
space on earth where
they could rest and wait.

Thanks to the faithful volunteers
who know them by their names
and stand by them in Calais Jungle.
______________________
October 23,2016