Escape

What is this ever changing state
where thousands cross border to meet their fate
and, in doing so, escape
from the destruction and slaughtering
- failing leaders who stand proud before them, and us,
as corrupt as ever?

Yet, the beheadings and bombings,
the suicides and exploitation
are not the product of
one man, or one vision, or one idea, or one religion.

History repeats itself
and this time the net is cast world-wide.
Atheists, the sinners, sit side by side
with Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Protestants, Catholics,
for a cyber showcase
in shock at what unfolds before their eyes
on our screens
(and what we hope is a million miles away).

Innocents march, stumble and fall
alongside once corrupt officials,
ID-less, paperless, homeless.
Like the crusaders,
they hope for a better future
that sadly comes at a cost.

Everything costs.

Desperate parents guide their hungered children
in the shroud of night across continents.
Friends gather their energy and traverse countries
full of repent.
Sick and sorry that it has all come to this.

I sit aghast.
Horrified at what has passed
and feeling utterly powerless.
Gutless.
Scared but full of sympathy.
Silently grateful it's not me, or us,
... yet.