War and History Poetry posted July 20, 2011 |
They met their death on Christmas Island.
Asylum Seekers
by Aussie
They crept in darkness, climbed on board
Money changed hands, given to the overlord Pathetic passengers hungry and cold Clung to each other, young and old. Refugees - South China seas Doomed families Driven by fear, lit by hope All boarded the leaking boat. Australia, land of opportunity Not for these thirty-three Imprisonment awaited the refugee Barbed wire compound, three meals a day. At least we feed them - place to stay A voyage so long had come to an end Christmas Island around the bend Seas were unkind that fateful day. Rudder snapped, fell away Passengers screamed, tried to pray Men swam to save them, threw them ropes Raging seas dashed more than hopes. |
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Some months ago,thirty asylum seekers drowned in the rough seas near to Christmas Island ( 360 Kilometers from Java) three children were saved and now, they have Australian citizenship. Cold comfort for the loss of their parents and loved ones. Christmas Island is filled to capacity with 'boat people' trying to make a new life in our country. Before they leave their strife-torn countries they are fleeced for their hard earned money and made promises about a new life in Oz. This was one of the worst disasters to befall a boat load of people. We haven't found a solution, we just try to look after them.
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