I am inspired today by my college friend Barin who is raising money to help fund textbooks and supplies for Syrian refugees.
She went on a road trip raising money for this cause and I started putting myself in the shoes of a refugee, losing everything- my home, my friends, my family, to escape to an unfamiliar country despite hardships and suffering because the alternative is death. I have been so disheartened and saddened by the news lately of refugees who are viewed as the enemy and this hatred and fear that is driving this world today saddens me and makes me wonder what the future will hold. So, I dedicate this poem to the Syrian refugees and to people, like Barin, who are showing them that there is hope and who will go above and beyond to help and show them kindness in this world consumed by hate and fear. If you would like to donate, please go to Barin’s fundraising page here: https://www.paypal.me/BarinMasoud
Down the Abysmal Slope
By: Melissa Kuch
Slipping.. further
down the abysmal slope
Running, frantically
As the world around me burns.
Like a tornado engulfing all I love
Until there’s nothing but
the shirt on my back,
The shoes on my feet,
This mind,
this aching body,
these tears flooding my eyes.
Your hand in mine-
Until your hand is torn from mine.
Searching, Grasping
at empty space
Calling your name
Praying for God
to save you!
To save us!
Calling, Screaming
For mercy.
The wind heckles back
You are alone.
Begging, Pleading
For a scrap of bread
A trickle of water
So thirsty
So hungry
I had a job, money, a house
I had it all.
Look at me! Look at me!
Your spit stings my eye
Your words I don’t understand
But I understand your fear
Don’t you see mine?
I didn’t choose this life!
Who would choose this?
I want to go home
But there is no home.
Home is no more.
Breathing, hoping
Because that’s all I have left
Surviving barely
But surviving still.
Falling, falling
Afraid to fall asleep,
Afraid to wake up,
Afraid to give up.
I survive for your memory,
still clinging to your hand
In my dreams.