Refugees – a Villanelle

By Malcolm Henshall

Refugees are like you and me
They need our help and love today
They risk their lives upon the sea

The papers spread their enmity
And people take notice of what they say
Refugees are like you and me

Look beyond the words you see
The lies they tell, put them away
They risk their lives upon the sea

They must flee
They cannot stay
Refugees are like you and me

They step off a faraway quay
Not knowing their future or their way
They risk their lives upon the sea

Let’s open our arms, you and me
And when they are here all of us say
Refugees are like you and me
They risk their lives upon the sea.

Malcolm Henshall 2023

Back to the National Poetry Day Refuge collection