A Solitary Refugee

The crest of the waves surged and broke over the edge of the boat.
Cool and salty tears of water fell upon his feet in sorrow.
Wretchedness and suffering enclosed him in a sea of loss.
The refugee wept as he reflected on his family left in exile.

The village he had resided in had been seized by the enemy,
Forcing them to abandon their homes and surrender their belongings.
His family endured the overcrowded refugee camp,
With rugged clothes on their backs and little food in their palms.

The man’s heart yearned for hope, a land of refuge, and a place of belonging,
A place where there was no war, suffering… but instead, freedom.
Using the small amount of money he possessed,
The man purchased an old wooden vessel and set sail for the land called Australia.

And now he sat at the bow in the penetrating sun.
For weeks, the ocean pounded the vessel like a deep rolling thunder.
Companionless, deserted and isolated, he passionately continued,
To finally gaze at the sight that he had envisioned.

The expanse had become a thin stretch of land,
Exquisite and precious like a prized pearl,
This was a harbour for his grief and a home for his dreams.
He leapt with relief and clasped his hands in delight.

At last, a place to belong.