How dark is the darkest sea

That swallows up

And spits out

The unremitting deluge

Of ships and boats

That make the journey

Across its unforgiving breadth

Fully laden

Awash with souls

Packed and packaged

Desperate and Desolate

In their desire

For a better life

 

How dark is the face

Of human misery

Of they who would be

Transported, trafficked

Prepared to absorb pain and havoc

Who only wants to flee

Bloody war

No less

No more

To be free

 

How dark is the soul

Of the big black bird

On its perch

As it shakes and preens

Counting out its money

 

How dark is that darkest heart

That would leave

Reject

Push and prod

Like a cat with a mouse

Then walk away and leave behind

 

How dark is the demand

The cry of send a gunboat

To do what?

To watch while others

Cough and choke

Their last effort

To reach a haven

To avoid the beady eye

Of the dark black raven

Who will pick and peck

 

How dark is the darkest day

That does not hear

That does listen or react

To that old familiar call

Sanctuary, Sanctuary

Oh for pity’s sake sanctuary

 

How much longer

Before the sea stops

Its demand for it’s

Ghostly tender