Refugee

I kneel before the boat-man.
The price is far too high.

I kneel before the pirate.
Not my daughter! Not my wife!

I kneel before the aid man.
The land’s no longer mine.

I kneel before the soldier.
Will you spare a father’s life?

I kneel before the policeman.
A permit, to buy some rice.

I kneel before the altar
and pray for an end to strife.

I kneel before the embassy,
its heavy doors shut tight.