[Exodus 22:21} Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
POEM AND PICTURES BY ED NORTHEN
Fleeing persecution
of oppressing governments
fearing for their lives
abandoning homelands
where generations,
were buried
ancestorial lands
whose roots run deep
but not strong enough
to hold them
when there is no hope
when survival is impossible
a desperate
crossings of waters
to a new world is undertaken
A land inhabited
by indigenous nations
native peoples who provide
help and friendship
when inaction
would serve them better
instead, honor
and compassion
moved them to action
out of kindness
grew respect, acceptance
and a feast shared