[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