In the midst of it all…

the horrific conditions in the camp

the smells

the not enough food

not enough water

not enough clothing

not enough anything…

 

They see each other

 

In the midst of who wants us?

Who will take us in?

Who will help us?

Who will give us what we desperately need?

 

He reaches out

and takes her in his arms

and she looks up at him

and they kiss.

 

Facing hatred

because of their difference

because of their religion

because there are

so many of them

they give in to each other and

allow their urges to rise

to the surface of the wave

that is engulfing them

 

They kiss away memories of

the war they left behind

of the sounds of bombs

of the smell of fear

 

They kiss away wondering

who can be trusted

and remembering all that they have lost

and instead

 

They kiss for hope

and dreams

and futures

and undying desire

and each other

and

In the midst of it all…

They kiss.

~

For the image that inspired this poem, click here.

~

Author: Carmelene Siani

Image: Milidou/Flickr

Editor: Caitlin Oriel