SMALL BOY

I am a small boy
I am eight
I stand ankle deep
Water seeps into my shoes
I don't mind, I am happy to wait

It is black here
Where so many of us huddle
Family, friends, people I don't know
But there is no attack here
It is quiet, we are safe

We are orderly and mannered
When the boat comes in
Long lines of few possessions
No pushing no shoving no din
We are kind to each other
​​​​​
We are on the water
To a new life dad says
It's a chance for freedom
For hope and dreams and peace
A future full of new ways

My dream is not to worry
No blood or wars or noise
No need always to hurry, hurry
Just to play and be eight
A small boy for one day

I am a small boy
I am eight 
And the water is cold
No one is coming they are all gone
The boat was too old

I'm not scared anymore 
But I shiver in the dark
Too tired to keep hold
I am a small boy, I am eight
I don't think I will get older
Marion Price (2019)