
ALEV JEMAL


//The Journey
Sea birds squawk above my head
Notes of sweet jasmine linger on gentle breeze
Excitement and anticipation
Mix with salty air.
I turn and take one last look,
Pastel, lush green, golden sand. I will miss you.
But the mother country needs us
and so we answer her call.
Sunset, sunrise, sunset,
22 days, 22 nights.
Cool air meets my cheeks, a sharp intake of breath
As the sun rises over grey river snaking us into London.
Each day has potential, an opportunity to fulfil our duty
Each day has disappointment, a rejection, an injustice
Until one day, a smile, an outreached hand, a ray of hope
Like the light shining through the cracks of a broken vase
Time passes, the seasons of life defined.
I am in East London and the cold winter has given way to a Spring morning.
The market flows long its heartbeat strong.
Earthy spices, and reggae beats, mingle with pie & mash.
Voices from different lands familiar in my ears.
An array of colours, the rainbow’s end leads here
We, rebuilt this land.
I have had a beautiful life.
Love, grief, joy, tears, these are the things that make a life.
And mine has been beautiful.
But on this journey some people lost more than they gained//

