The Refugee.. Poem by Alexander Teli

Firstly, this is my first prose. Have a lot to choose from. This seems topical.Many thanks in advance.




Australia for refugees, or refugees for Australia!

Why am I in pain?
Why am I so sad?
Is this country better than where I came from?
Do you have good schools?
Do you have good laws?
Do you understand my pain?
Is my family going to be prosecuted here as well?
Have you got any food?
Is this my meal?
What are corn flakes?
What is vegemite?
Do you eat it?
Can I wash my hands?
Can I please wash my hands?
Where can I wash my hands?
Do you have any work?
Can I clean your windows?
Can I do anything at all to work?

Why is my child sick?
Is she going to die?
Why do people have to die?
Can you please help her?
Can you please help me to help my child?
I am frightened?
Somebody please help her?
Why don't I smile?
What is happy?
Who are you?
Are you a doctor?
Can you help her?

Are you my friends?
Can you please be my friend?
Please talk to me, say anything?
Am I angry?
No, my child is hungry?
Can you spare a meal?
Why did I leave my home?
What is a freeway?
What is a telephone?
Your milk comes in bottles?
Where do you grow your food?
Can I hold your hand?

Can you please help my child before she dies,
she is the only love I have left in my life?

How easy we forget that refugees are first and foremost people, human beings, just like us.