The Trouble with Being an Emigrant

By M Cunningham Webb














Distance causing isolation
From those I felt were close,
Connection so important
Slips away, I feel morose.

Confidences, familial news
No longer sent my way,
‘No need to trouble her with that,
She’s much too far away.’

Desperately I crave inclusion
Still no letters of affection,
Busy lives and other ties
Replace the strong connection.

Chinese whispers run amuck
Words twisted and misquoted,
Miles impede communications
A villain, I’ve been voted.

Dissension stirs within the clan
New hurt, some gossip mongrel
Has dug the chasm wider still,
Slander scapegoat, tribal libel.

Long distance now in heart and soul
No chance for my redemption,
No explanation can I produce
I am guilty, by presumption.