When Borders Are Crossed

poem by Matthew de Lacey Davidson

Kurdish Refugee Camp in Suruc Turkey (source: Wikipedia)

Our hearts shall open for a time.
The baser instincts we combat
with acceptance we politicize
of sufferers of conflict — crime –
from war’s perpetual habitat.

Adversity is sure to rise
when life afresh is harshly cut
by diminished opportunities.
(Question: is the welcome wise?)
Compassion has its limits, but
our hearts should open for a time.

Newcomers no longer please
when prices rise and doors are shut.
Passions rage and stigmatize –
bloviation — masses find sublime.
Where mouths once smiled, they later spat –
and acts descend to pantomime
(best intentions falling flat).

Reality will soon begrime
the thoughts of every diplomat;
but where’s the harm believing that
our hearts might open for a time?