I sailed once, out into the bay,
On holiday, a rubber boat.
Adventure, laughter, floating fun,
My mother waving from the shore,
Until a chill, a thrill of fear,
Sharp panic knotting in my guts,
I paddled back and what relief
To feel warm sand between my toes.

I watch them in their fragile craft,
Bobbing across the swelling sea,
A family adrift, afraid,
Fleeing in hope to find a home,
Seeking a holiday from fear
Praying to land upon warm sand.