Cost Benefit Analysis of Humanity - Poem

I can tell you the figures and the stats

to counter fascist liars and their alternative facts

I can prove that arrivals enrich us

culturally, socially, financially a net benefit

I can prove my point in this conversation of selfishness;

that their labour we do need

but that’s not the reason to take them in, indeed

neither is the social service we all enjoy.

We shouldn’t only help them in a cynical ploy.

Because they are more than their labour,

more than the tax the contribute,

they are more than our carers and doctors,

more than culturally exotic fruit.

No, these aren’t the reasons I ask this of you

though the true reason is for ourselves too.

The reason I ask to share this land

is to recognise their humanity - and understand

That giving home is how we save our own.