OUR WINNING POEM

Lesley says: “I wrote the poem in response to the heartbreaking refugee plight of people in the Ukraine but also that of refugees worldwide. I emigrated from South Africa at a time of awful violence almost 30 years ago and feel very grateful to New Zealand but I still feel that longing for my motherland. Perhaps that’s why I feel a kinship with refugees, although they suffer so much more. I wanted the poem to reflect the incredible strength and resilience of refugees who, if given a chance, contribute fully to life in their new countries but may always long for their own land.” Lesley’s metaphor of refugees as nascent trees tentatively putting down roots wherever they can, trying to flourish and grow, but also, at the same time, never forgetting their beginnings, is eloquent and poignant. For details on how to enter the MiNDFOOD Poetry Competition, go to page 127.