Refugees, a powerful poem by Brian Bilston, reminds readers to be greater than their preconceptions, to look beyond shallow stereotypes and to think twice before making unfair judgements about the less fortunate.
To understand the true beauty that underlies Brian Bilston’s poem, a person literally needs to process it twice. First from top to bottom, and then from bottom to top.
Here is a new poem entitled "Refugees". Please bear with it. pic.twitter.com/hREWTO6DrU
— Brian Bilston (@brian_bilston) 23 March 2016
Bilston’s message that has been retweeted over 10,000 times since it was posted last week, is an inspiring act of humanity.
It is a strong counterpoint to the extreme anti-migration rhetoric that has exploded across Europe (a response that has even advocated shooting refugees at borders).
When the world faces the largest refugee and migrant crisis since World War II, Bilston’s poem advocates the need for empathy in welcoming those who are escaping unlivable circumstances in search of peace and prosperity. Refugees demonstrates the importance of challenging oneself to think about the bigger picture and approach people in need with an open mind and heart.