By Right

There are footprints in the sand
So I draw a line
Scattering my seed
This ground I claim as mine

You stumbled into my shelter
I see you in the dark
I lift a stone to your head
Children go back to sleep

Only one of us will leave
By right

My son forged a blade
He keeps it in his hand
And when I die
My son will take my land

Your lover’s womb is barren
So take someone else
Her son will have his name
Receive the babe on her knees

Only one of them will leave
By right

By no will of our own
We kept the flame afire
And gave alms to the God
Who sits over this pyre

They came and took our shelter
They broke our flesh and bone
To take what’s theirs in turn
That is our only hope

Only one of us can be
By right