Permission to live

The theme chosen for Refugee Week 2022 was "Healing", so we explored what that word means to us. Certain themes came out very strongly ... the awareness that healing encompasses much more than just physical wellness, the need to feel supported in order for healing to be possible, the fact that healing is a long and often slow process, the reality that even complete healing leaves scars behind, and the enduring power of hope. 

Those conversations led to our latest collaboratively written poem. 

Healing –

Refugee Week Poem 2022

Pain wakes me up

Been broken so many times

Feels like I’m dying inside

But hope dies last

Someone stands beside me

In my time of need

Opens wide the door for me

Lets me come inside

Healing from within me

Mind, body, soul

Join me on this journey

I am about to start

When I’m still in pain

It doesn’t stop me dreaming

Fighting for your freedom

Triumph over your fears

Healing leaves its scars

Even when they can’t be seen

Painful memories

Reminding me what I went through

Carrying all these feelings

Processing the pain

Save myself from falling

Move myself away

Healing is a process

Acceptance and determination

A lot of patience in the waiting

Time heals all

If you ever feel

Like going down this road

You must just remember

There is always hope

A time for overcoming obstacles

A time for simply letting go

Opening the way forward

Freeing yourself

No need to worry anymore

I sleep peacefully

But sleep has its limits

I wake up to dreams coming true

Make me feel alive

Not just surviving

New adventures every time

I’ve been given permission to live