Asylum

Poem 853 – Just Ice?

/ BenDQ / Leave a comment

Just ice would be too sharp
Too cold upon the tongue
Bitterness needs sweetness
For us to get along

Firm punishment is fair
For them who break the rules
But for those who are oppressed
Justice is much more cool

It’s absolutely right that those who cheat or lie to obtain asylum and those who assist them for a profit should be punished and prevented, but I worry that stories like those in the news recently may hinder those who are vulnerable and need asylum, or affect how others see them unfairly.
(16.04.26)

© Ben Quant 2026
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Poem 737 – Ten Lines, Ten Minutes

/ BenDQ / Leave a comment

I only had ten minutes to trace the journey
from heaven to earth, the Word to flesh descending.
The Son becoming one with us for love
takes on our form, enters fragility,
and there is shunned. Pursued they flee,
the holy family, to Egypt’s bosom.
Asylum sought, by strangers saved, until
at last they can return. Can time compress
this sacrifice? Ten minutes can’t suffice,
but asks us if we’d welcome them today.

I had the privilege of preaching at a local church’s carol service today, and the challenge of compressing the awe and challenge of Christmas into just ten minutes. I thought I’d try again in ten lines.
(21.12.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Kevin Bückert on Unsplash