Illusion Of Hope

• Gemma Beatton, Grade 10, Chancellor State College
• Poetry
• 2018

Excellence Award in the 'Write Along 2018' competition

War-torn and dangerous, the bombs drop in a cacophony
Women and children, screaming in fear and agony
Escape, be quick, make sure you look ‘round the bend
If you don’t, you’ll certainly be hung in the end
Run till you’re free, run till you’re out of breath
Flee to the boats to dodge your death
Now you wait, bracing for a wave
Hug someone near, you have to be brave
As boat meets land, relief floods through
You’ve made it to the country, freedom anew
But something’s off, people tremble
In the shadows, officers assemble
“Come with us, we’ll keep you protected”
Little did we know they meant neglected
For years refugees come and go
But I stay, as those Australian officers continue to veto