The Other Side

The Other Side
He set out at dawn a tiny bag and ID drawn
With his one new cloth I had known
A pair of shoes, I had to give my own
He had lost all hope in where I live
However much assurance I try to give
His heart was long gone, distracted and alone
I knew that he is with me no more
Occasional phone calls to his brother abroad
Talking of dates and cash shortfalls
Desert routes and nameless boats
Meeting “friends” and some coming around
Discrete gestures and hushed sounds
The quietness scared me, his looks taunted me
His occasional hesitancy puzzled me.
Couldn’t help him much, my ignorance and empty pockets
The morning he left it was very different
Fighting the tears and attempting content
He hugged me with good bye
By all means avoiding the contact of my eyes
I knew there was something but he broke the silence
His plans to cross the desert expanse
Join his brother in Europe, the other side
One assurance, father, I can fully give you
I will make the journey, by desert and the sea
Once in Lampedusa, will tell of my whereabouts
Will soon join big brother and settle at his address
Will help you out, pay back the loan, to all you owe
May no one suffer and bemoan
His last words assuring as they were
Deep inside me was full of fear
Fear of the Desert, the sea and traffickers, more merciless
Now I know he is gone, hope is gone and all is lost
For him and for me, for many like me, there is no other side, no more!