“You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.” Home, by Warsan Shire
We are so fearful of what we might lose
If broken families who are abused
Come to our land
Look around.
Are your children tucked safely into bed and well fed?
Is there a roof over your head?
Does your sense of security go unsaid?
Do we really not have enough?
What are we so afraid of?
So fearful that we now believe an asylum seeker is a criminal?
That a child equates to someone who gang rapes?
This is not about the law, policies or legislation.
This is a human rights issue.
This is a humanity issue.
This is a human issue.
I will not look away.
Eyes wide open.
Is it a luxury you have:
To turn away?
To shut your eyes?
To drown out the sound?
Check your privilege.
Pay attention.
Start asking important questions.
Eyes wide open.
If you choose to close your eyes
You’ve picked your side.
To align with the oppressor
Silence encourages the tormentor
And never the tormented.
Lindsey Arens, LPC 