ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

THE BOY ON THE BEACH … Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBark Poet
In memory of little Aylan Kurdi – a child whose right to a peaceful future was cut short.


So little, so small, quite tiny, not tall
and lying so still on the sand,
caressed by the waves – a young life unsaved
and cast there by fate’s stroke of hand.

Dressed up in his best, he lies now at rest
but peace in his lifetime not found
and now it’s too late – we bemoan his fate
aspersions are cast all around.

He was only a kid – just an innocent soul
brother Galip, Mum Rehan as well.
Freedom all they asked… a safe place, a repast
but we’ve now plunged a family in hell.

And that little red shirt, face down in the dirt
on the sand and the pebbles of Bodrum
never did any harm, he was young, full of charm
and now of his life we have robbed him.

From Syria they fled where years of war bled
a country dry – and all hope was fading.
And the island of Greece seemed to offer some peace
from a hopelessness all too pervading.

Rest in peace little Aylan – the world let you down
and for that none of us can atone.
It’s not too much to ask, for a life, for a chance …
a safe place that a child can call home.

Oh! Very good Maureen - and so true.

Dressed up in his best

When I saw the images of this poor little boy on the news that aspect struck me as well - shoes and socks, obviously in his best set of clothes, all set for a wonderful new life - over before it began.

So many families suffer in wars not of their making - it's always been the same.

The image of that poor little boy was haunting.

Your poem goes straight to the heart of the matter. How can anybody, or any conflict, justify cutting short such an innocent little boy's life.

Very well put Maureen. I think 'the world let you down' sums it all up, and can be said to so many these days, which is very sad indeed...

Beautiful words to capture something so sad. Well done Maureen.
Wazza

Thanks everyone - it was a very sad sight and I read today the body had been moved and posed to make for a better newsworthy shot WTF - the sad news is that it appears to already be yesterday's news - on to the next ghastly sight on our screens. Is it any wonder that these issues don't really resonate with people anymore? Attention span is minimal