Tell Me Your Story, Evacuee Poem by Kirsty Richards

Tell me your story of when you first heard
That you had to leave, it was for your own good
How squeezing her hand, you begged not to go
And squeezing right back, she said 'Baby, I know'

Tell me your story of saying goodbye
Looking over your shoulder and watching them cry
You hadn't been bad, you don't understand
Blaming yourself, with your gas mask in hand

The journey was long as you held on tight
To the case in your left and the girl on your right
Without saying a word, you worried the same
Lonely and frightened, a number, no name

Tell me your story of when you arrived
How the girl went away with the man in the tie
And you stood and shivered and waited all day
Until the stern-looking lady took you away

Tell me your story of when you first saw
The trees all around and the giant black door
They offered no comfort as you stood and cried
With your head facing downward, you followed inside

Tell me your story of how you were used
Your stomach was empty, your knuckles were bruised
You worked all day long and little was known
How you cried in your bed and you begged to go home

Tell me your story of when they came
They saw your hunger and heard your pain
And paying the lady, they took you away
Forgetting your number, they gave you a name

They were kind and were warm and they wrapped you up tight
Feeding you well and reading at night
They held onto your hand and dissolving the past
Now older and wiser, the years went by fast

Tell me your story when the letter arrived
It was time to leave and return your old life
Your mother a stranger, your family here
Once again a return of the blame and the fear

Tell me your story of when you first saw
The familiar lady who stood at the door
A little bit older but still the same smile
You ran into her arms and you stayed there a while

Tell me your story of learning to live
In a world you'd forgotten, you had to forgive
They loved you completely, now you understand
You're stronger, you're safe, and your back in her hand