Holding On

• Mathias Prouting, Grade 8
• Poetry
• 2022

The waves smash our boat like mighty fists,
Our hearts burn with the sorrow of our home left behind.
Though reluctant to go on, we know we can’t go back
Our country suffers in the flames of conflict.

Salty sea sprays our tear-streaked faces
We huddle in squished, soaked groups
Wondering whether a paradise would welcome people like us
Whether refuge is just a foolish notion.

We grasp onto the wooden edges of the boat,
We clench our eyes tightly shut,
We clutch onto the papers that identify us,
We clasp onto the hope of a bright future.

Suddenly, a light blares down on us.
Squinting, a life boat is only just visible
It advances, drawing closer and closer
Beckoning us to a hopeful future?