Your voice flies, via a satellite
In the space.
It brings a familiar voice.

"Uncle
I want to come to Australia
I want to study.
Uncle
I want to come
I want no wars

The schools are closed
Terrorists place bombs all over Colombo.

Uncle, I want to come to Australia
Where there are no wars.
Can you help me?"

You ask innocently.

I never had such dreams
At age 15!

I can’t kill your dreams.
There are wars in Australia too!

A Political voice cracks: ‘Australia is swamped by Asians’
Social workers lament: ‘Aboriginal people die early;
A Third World trend!’

The other day a kid of your age
Died in the street-
‘Ecstasy’
An overdose

My minds’ voice
Evaporates into a geo-centric satellite

"Why are you not talking uncle?
Can you help me please?
I want to come to Australia"

I gaze at the receiver
Until your voice fades.

   Sunil Govinnage