What would we do? 

We’re safe, we’re fed,
no bombs fall overhead.
Our children learn
our language, songs and ways.

What would we do?
Invaded,
safe homes rubbled,
families scattered, killed or disappeared.
The days ahead a repetition sure
to bring more grief than we had ever feared.

What would we do?
We’d do the same.
We’d sell whatever’s left –
our beads, great grandma’s ring.
We’d choose our brightest child,
the sturdy one,
and pay whatever anybody asked
to get him on a boat that’s getting out.

July 2016