We are going to survive.

He speaks bravely

he looks boldly,

voice clear loud,

fingers trembling reveal

our shared vulnerability

when we speak our truth.

Here is how I heard him:

I want

you to imagine

I am your brother, your uncle, your son.

Would you want

me to be

denied

healthcare

if I need it in the future?

My fear

is what will happen

to me.

It

won't

be

easy.

I don't want

to use this word

but I

think it is a torture

method.

How am I

going to pay

when I am not allowed to work or to receive any money?

How does government think

we are going to survive.

This piece is a creative listening to a speech given by a friend and asylum seekers who spoke at Bristol Refugee Rights 10th December human rights day event about the proposed denial of health care to some asylum seekers, including himself.

For more info:

www.bristolrefugeerights.org/10th-december-health-care-for-all/