Today’s youth grow up in a glow
So bright we sometimes feel drawn to the buzz of computers and phones
In the age of tomorrow
yesterday becomes
But a distant memory
Memory of the clouds of persecution
Hanging over children’s heads
Dreaming of leaving home
Not out of the wish to live
But the want to survive
Unity brings security
Unity in family, in friends
Unity until–
Until family is separated
Until friends turn their backs
Until, until, until, until
It lies dormant
History
Until yet again it lives
In the mouths of monsters
Who live up the street
The world asks us,
“What would you do,
If you lived the nightmares your ancestors did?”
I grow jealous of those who were given an option
To comply, to defy, to hide, to help
When I would be given no choice
The world asks me no questions
The world tells me I’m in danger
The world tells me to change my name, to change my tongue, to change history
If history repeats itself, is it my job to fix it?
Is it my job to be both a victim and a savior?
Is it my job to be strong enough to both fear and fight for my life?
I can do nothing but hope
Hope that my family stays united
Hope that my friends turn around to witness the horrors
To fight them with me
Hope that the monsters
Who live up the street
Evolve into people
Even if it’s the only thing I have left
It is hope
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