I heard part of the story

Of Nigethan

A Tamil man.

He spent months moving around

In Sri Lanka

Enduring persecution

Witnessing traumatic events.

Eventually he decided

To leave

Without his wife and child.

A long and circuitous journey

Brought him to Christmas Island.

He was in detention

For over 6 years.

Now he has a bridging visa.

So he can’t leave Australia

And his family can’t come here.

Eight years apart.

I have not lived his life

But it seems like

Torture

To me.

Yet he is grateful

To the Australian people

for their welcome and help.

What a shame

That bureaucracies

Are not guided by

Love and compassion.