Description: This poem explores silence as being a companion through a Karen refugee’s journey, and ends with a keynote looking into the future.

Silence

It was the laughter,
It rang through the corridors of my heart.
It was the fragrance,
Sandalwood dimples; smiling wide apart.
It was the sound of identity.

It was the farm,
The cockerel crowing at dawn.
It was the roof,
Few holes, from which the rain would fall.
It was the sound of dignity.

Bombs. Blood.
Deafening cries.
Bullets. Murder.
In front of my eyes.
No hope. No future.
Run for your lives.
It was the sound of war.

Darkness. Death.
Poverty. Hunger.
Doubt. Fear.
In the jungle we slumber.
Lights out.
Be still.
The enemy is near.
Lights out.
Be still.
The enemy is always here.
And then there was silence.

How long will these lips be sealed?
When children cry of hunger.
How long will these eyes face deceit?
When women are raped; slaughtered.
How long these ears you will shield
Witness; the suffering of your brother.

One day, our plight will be heard.
One day, our rights will be earned.
One day, we will gain victory.
It will be the sound of freedom.
And then there will be no silence.