Be Grateful

They come with their families across the lashing grey channel,

Threatened by a broach and capsize with every wave

In overcrowded inflatables buoyed up with hope

What can they see that I cannot?

Can they not see our imminent unemployment?

Do they want to join our lockdown? Our over-burdened NHS?

Our hungry children deprived of free school meals.

And an ever-growing homeless throng?

Why do they come

To England?

What for?

For safety,

For a chance,

For a good education,

For medicine when it’s needed

To be free to worship the god of their choice.

To live without the fear of missile strikes or torture,

They crave what we in England think insufficient.

When they claim asylum, they feel gratitude.

And we say gratitude?

What is that?