The First Wave

Welcome the outsiders,
onlookers in a new land.
How many nights at sea-
sleep wrecked by kicking fortune?
Haggard from days without shelter,
no work nor safety-
welcome them.

They speak many languages:
of poverty, fear and desperation.
Dressed not to offend, even apologetic
to the right people-
welcome them.

To our children
they are aloof, cold even:
no laughter spilled
for months or years-
hard to understand?
welcome them.