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Must we embrace the Muslim refugee
who’s destitute, alone and in despair?
Concerns remain, despite our empathy
for images revealed by camera’s glare.
We know our interactions should preserve
harmonious relations with our friends.
It doesn’t take a wise man to observe—
with neighbourly intent, kindness extends.
But, who becomes our neighbour? There’s the rub
we can’t appease. Shall we accept the ones
who look and think like us, while others, snub?
We’ve taught the Golden Rule to our young sons
and daughters, hoping they will follow suit.
Extending basic rights to all reveals
the qualities we’d like to see take root,
epitomizing civilized ideals.
In times of turmoil, we must not forget:
Without a safe horizon, man’s heart yearns
to find a hearthstone for his children, yet—
Who’ll raise our children, if our village burns?
We must embrace all those who come in need,
despite the risk that doing so demands.
Good character, defined by righteous deed,
will strengthen as community expands.
*Personally, I believe we are in a watershed moment. Our response in the Western society to the refugee crisis of the Middle-East will set the course for the next chapter of human history. Of course, there are no easy answers—but, with so much at stake, I pray that we get it "right".
who’s destitute, alone and in despair?
Concerns remain, despite our empathy
for images revealed by camera’s glare.
We know our interactions should preserve
harmonious relations with our friends.
It doesn’t take a wise man to observe—
with neighbourly intent, kindness extends.
But, who becomes our neighbour? There’s the rub
we can’t appease. Shall we accept the ones
who look and think like us, while others, snub?
We’ve taught the Golden Rule to our young sons
and daughters, hoping they will follow suit.
Extending basic rights to all reveals
the qualities we’d like to see take root,
epitomizing civilized ideals.
In times of turmoil, we must not forget:
Without a safe horizon, man’s heart yearns
to find a hearthstone for his children, yet—
Who’ll raise our children, if our village burns?
We must embrace all those who come in need,
despite the risk that doing so demands.
Good character, defined by righteous deed,
will strengthen as community expands.
*Personally, I believe we are in a watershed moment. Our response in the Western society to the refugee crisis of the Middle-East will set the course for the next chapter of human history. Of course, there are no easy answers—but, with so much at stake, I pray that we get it "right".
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