I am from being a refugee

I am from the country I fled
Terrified of my governments punishment
I wish I could have stayed

I am from the smuggler that helped me flee
Not caring where I went, just needing to leave
Only to be detained on arrival

I am from the country that detained me
A supposed asylum from my troubles

I am from the medical treatment I needed
But was not provided with

I am from the isolated walls of the detention centre
That sealed us away from the world outside

I am from Italy
The country I was transferred to
Even when I couldn’t walk
That gave me real asylum

I am from the medical treatment I needed
That I was finally provided with

I am from the system that helped me
Even if it is not perfect

I am from the language I needed to learn
Even though many classes would not let me in

I am from my experience as a whole
Even though it was a painful one

I am from being a refugee
Even though a terrible experience
It made me stronger too

By Jeffrey