country, I packed up and fled,
seeking food and security, and
perhaps a warm bed.
I toiled against hope, trekking
the hot terrain.
Thoughts swelled my mind; they
were driving me insane.
All I wanted was peace and a
chance to achieve my dream,
To care for my family and spoil
my mother like a queen.
But here I am now; an alien in
another country,
Feeling unconsidered;
wondering if they ’ll ever count
me.
How do I escape the pain, how
do I escape the fear?
With all those nights I cried, how
can I possibly shed another tear?
The memories run deep, and the
nightmares are recurrent
To everyone the fact that I’m not
from here is apparent.
How do I love again? My heart
has turned cold.
Inside I’m filled with rage and all
these grudges that I hold.
Is it better to live in self pity than
not to live at all?
Was it better for me to have died
than to have a safe place to go?
I never wanted this name, I never
wanted this title;
To be called a Refugee is
something I’ve never wanted at
all.
I know I’m not alone, but that
doesn’t make me feel better.
From where will I begin when I
return to my country later?
I know I want to go back to the
place from which I came.
Anticipating the devastation; I
know things are not the same,
But I want to return, and help it
reclaim its glory.
I want to be remembered, with
my name mentioned in history.
I don’t like my situation, but I’m
grateful I’m alive.
I will work extra hard, and with
that I will survive,
With that I will excel, to live long
and tell the tale
Of a refugee who made it; a story
that will sell.
And once again I find hope in the
worst of my situation,
Grateful that people are allowed
to seek refuge in other nations.
And next time you see me, you’ll
know that it is true
A refugee like me
is much like you.
« return.