Empathy

I never was a refugee
I grew up without fear
I always knew where my home was
And knew I could stay here.

I never was a refugee
My child was safe from harm
No bombs fell on her head at night
And she was always warm.

I never was a refugee
I have not lived in war
I do not know the pain they know
That hollows out their core.

I've never been a refugee
My face has no deep lines
Lines forged from loss of dreams
And pain that all their life defines.

I don't need to be a refugee
To understand their plight
To want to help them find a place
To lay their heads at night.

No one has to be a refugee
To see that hope is won
When all of us reach out to those
Whose lives have come undone.

I've never been a refugee
But my heart is full and will
Forever hope that those who seek
A home can find it still.