Across the border, beneath the waves
As we drove with ease back across the border
all the peoples faces
their stories
their pain
we held
as for us it is a quick check of a car
for them it is a life or death
ride across to the other shore
As we passed under the sea
the waves rage above
in that very sea
people loose their lives
people that are hopeful
young and old
they have one goal
to get to a safer place
they are desperate
they are dreaming
of a place where they can be safe
reunited with family
governed fairly and free
There is such injustice
to the brutality of a small boat
safety is what these humans long for
yet to get across the sea they have to risk it all
their safety compromised
Treated as less than
sleeping outside
struggling to survive
trodden down by authorities
funded by our government
a clear racial divide
Yet dancing in the face of adversity
generous with thanks
faces marked by deep pain
yet smiles wide
and a joy that runs deep
Oh Lord please protect those people
change our systems
help the reality be known
for the narratives to change
for the truth to be declared
You are a God of justice
of truth and love
you see every one of these people
as just that
people you created in your image
Help our systems change to do the same
to show dignity to every person
who is at the border
oh Jesus help us all welcome the stranger
Abi Yendole
