Who Are You in Your Boat

Who Are You in Your Boat

Who are you in your boat, your face filled with such fear and desperation?

What has driven you into the cold waters and this most dangerous situation?

What abandoned dreams and homes have you left behind in your flight?

How was it that in your former existence you could find no source of light?

All the members of our common humanity wish for the same things for each life.

The shared desire to work, to be, to do, to speak our hearts, and live without strife.

I see there in your eyes dark shadows of things which are experiences unspeakable.

Glowing softly too I see the faintest glimmer of the great hope that is yet reachable.

I watch your strength falter as you clutch your children so tightly in that raging sea,

My love for my own moves me to great compassion as I watch you as you flea.

Pondering what monstrous evil could demand the sacrifice and risk you embrace,

Causes in me a heart pounding terror that your plight I too could someday face.

These things I need to know and learn from, least I become driven to this degree,

For I know that in your heart and your very soul, you are created exactly like me.

Your story I desire to know, and how your way I can help to bring some ease.

Tell me so that understanding will help others too hear your courageous pleas.

Who are you in your boat, your face filled with such fear and desperation?

What has driven you into the cold waters and this most dangerous situation?