Borders Fade

Translated by Saba Vasefi

In shadows of wire,

behind bars, I was bred,

youngest detainee.

My three-year-old arms

snatched from water’s hold,

into a wild world 

where only power's tale is told.

Now, my fourteen-year-old bones

unfurl from fences, shedding pains, 

on the taekwondo mat. Freedoms win, 

unseen from shore to onshore, begin 

a displaced athlete's solemn dance,

sentenced to suffer asylum's smash. 

Each kick reclaims my domain, 

visa unchains,

borders fade, 

my sweat erases lines in vain, 

fists fight back, each strike, 

liberation gained.

Renewed release

untouched, unchained.

At the border’s edge

branded as contraband

in detention,

reduced to mere digits

at school, chastised

for daring to voice dissent,

rejecting submission and discrimination.

No ground to lose on my mat,

told I can't ascend, barred by borders

a hostage of bureaucracy.

Despite setbacks, 

banned from the global stage, 

while peers

roam freely with Australian birthright in hand.

With each disappointment

my will tightens its belt,

many urged surrender, 

greatness deemed beyond borders,

to vie globally, 

yet their words fan my fire.

I reject surrender, 

spirit undimmed

I close my eyes 

and my body soars, 

crossing all bounds on the mat.

My heart fights for justice, 

my soul calls for the light, 

no choice was mine to make, 

yet in this battle, 

I stand for all athletic girls

behind bars where displacement aches.