A Refugee Christmas Poem by Garrett Westcott

No turkey dinner for Christmas tonight
Not a single present under an imaginary tree
If they just find water on their desperate flight
They would be more grateful this Christmas than you or me
Just like these travelers on the African plain
A homeless man is searching for relief
It's just another refugee Christmas
All over the world and on the streets

The bombs and the missiles sing them a familiar tune
Although it doesn't sound like 'O Holy, Night'
The refugee camp is full of whispers
That it will be another Christmas full of fright
Or they'll be chased from their homes for who they are
Too black, too poor, too left, too right
It will be just another refugee Christmas
When the holy morn breaks first light

The Virgin Mary was with Child and assured
That her Son would be the Son of the Most High
But when they reached the town of Bethlehem
The innkeeper said read the 'no vacancy' sign
The refugees camped in a stable so cold
And the Holy Babe was born that blessed night
This was not just another refugee Christmas
For born this day was heaven's holy light

(2014)