I wrote Refugees in response to a call for scores with the theme of the \u201croad not taken\u201d. For Syrian refugees in 2015, they could stay or leave their country, both dangerous and difficult choices. I was led to write this poem by a radio story about refugees from Syria, Eritrea, and elsewhere, in roadside camps in Calais, France, trying to cross the channel or go through the Channel Tunnel on the underside of lorries, for what might be a better life in Great Britain, especially for the children.<\/p>\n
Usually, the \u201croad not taken\u201d implies what-if, a pleasant musing about other possibilities. But, for a refugee, what might have befallen the narrator if they chose a different path? If they choose to stay put, they are chancing the dangerous environment of war. If they choose the path of the refugee, that road is also full of risk, with little aid from the rest of the world. In my poem, one road, staying home in the war zone, is more certain \u2014 death for some or all of them. The road they do take is hard, but it might, just might, turn out better.<\/p>\n
poem by Pamela J. Marshall<\/p>\n
It was not safe. To avoid
\nthe next attack, we had to leave.
\nWe wandered, wondered what would happen next.<\/p>\n
Left foot leading, then the right;
\nInterminable travel in the darkness,
\nsearching for some kind of light.<\/p>\n
We lost our way; we could not ask for help.
\nWe had no guide to show us
\ngreen pastures of goodness and mercy.<\/p>\n
We could have stayed,
\nit was not safe
\nwe feared to die
\nwe chose to go<\/p>\n
Now we wander,
\nit is not safe
\nwe wonder where
\nwe might find a home.<\/p>\n
Preview score<\/strong> Click the button to download a free perusal score of Refugees (file size is 427 kB). The watermarked PDF is disabled for printing.<\/p>\n