Ireland, my new country

This poem is by our friend Moba who is a refugee from the Congo. He was involved in the setting up of SpunOut.ie back in 2004.

What did you do to become Irish?
Can you tell me please Jane?
I didn't ask for the sky and stars,
Nor the moon and sun,
But God gave them to me,
But what must I do so that I can remain
In this Emerald Isle and land without pain?

From my troubled country empty handed I fled
To start anew and earn my butter and bread
With the skills in my brain and desire in my heart
I long to live in my new country and play my part
What do you do to become Irish? To become free?

Did you have to climb the never ending mountain of interviews,
rejections, appeals, humanitarian like me?
For those who find a place in the heart of the Irish people
Some have also found a home in the Irish land
It is true some find love here and through marriage can stay

But my love is in Africa and for me it seems there is no way
Once while in Egypt, Jesus sought refuge to preserve his life
And so it is that I have come here so he may preserve mine
I thank you for accepting me and allowing me to evade my strife

And pray that I can earn my own bread and butter here sometime.

Bonaventure Moba M.,  2004