Enlighten Radio Presents

Front Lines Poetic Testimony

Janet selects poems primarily from and about the Middle East. The featured poem is addressed to all children locked in conflict zones.

Broadcast LIVE Wednesdays, 10 AM on https://player.enlightenradio.org

Hosts: Janet Harrison, John Case

This Episode Recorded June 18, 2025

by Andréana Elise

Dear One,

I love you more than you know.

In fact, my soul flies to you each night,

sitting beside you as you sleep,

holding your hand

so you will not be afraid.

Then I fly to the grown ups

and tell them what I saw–

their nightmares

inflicted on you.

I hold up a mirror

and show them

your face.

Dear one,

I see you, running free and happy

playing football and swimming in the sea.

I see you at school, learning and growing,

clean water to drink, good food to eat.

I see you, happy and at peace,

in your own bodies, lands and minds.

It might not feel like it, but there’s a place

in this world where you belong,

a place with your name.

Each night, we meet in soul space–

long lost friends, racing to hug and kiss each other,

never leaving, never separate, ever again.

I embrace you across continents,

imagining you here, curled in soft blankets,

drinking tea and sharing stories.

Just you and me.

When threats and pain are loud on all sides,

come, sit with me,

under this shady tree.

My love is free and soft

as rain.