Under the Acacia Tree
life is pathos
on the edge of survival
under the brutal sun
hope is sucked dry
by the tyranny of time
life is fear
in Ifo, Hagaderra, Dagahaly
refugee families struggle to survive
on forty Kenyan shillings a day
nomads, scarred by cruel fate
life is degradation
women and children held captive
by chains of endless abuse
hunger, TB, HIV/Aids, death
daily reminders of a hopeless existence
life is desperation
no plan for tomorrow
relocation a dying dream
tears have all been shed
wells of promise are dry
yet,
under the acacia tree
life is precious
shade creates laughter and play
healing thrives in desert’s harshness
canopy deflects the burning ray
Under the Acacia Tree Anthology
Michael Frederiksen (photo)
Ron Gang (painting)
March 1, 2004
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