More Poems
A Turn in the Tide
A wind of cold fear is blowing through our time
Hunching our shoulders, closing our hearts and minds
Blowing the refuge seekers here from homes of war
Let’s turn the tide on this troubled shore
-
It only takes a spark of common kindness
It only takes an open outstretched hand
To liberate compassion then make way for
A different law in this land
Suffering and tortured, needing to flee
Drifting and vulnerable, out on the sea
What kind of a threat can these people be
They’re desperate humanity
-
It only takes a spark of common kindness
It only takes an open outstretched hand
To liberate compassion then make way for
A different law in this land
They’re locked in detention right from the start
Depression takes over and hopes fall apart
And what of the children shut behind bars
They’re bearing the life-long scars
-
It only takes a spark of common kindness
It only takes an open outstretched hand
To liberate compassion, to find there’s
A different voice in this land
Calling for justice, a turn in the tide
Calling for justice in an opulent land
Where we’re proud of our mateship and lending a hand
Calling for tolerance, calling for grace
A welcoming hopeful place
-
It only takes a spark of common kindness
It only takes an open outstretched hand
To liberate compassion, to find there’s
A different voice in this land
A different law in this land - Calling for justice, a turn in the tide
- By Jane Thompson 2004