Refugees

Contextual Questions

Annotate the following lines in the given pattern: 

a. Identify the lesson and name the writer of the given lines.

b. Discuss the context of the lines and appreciate them critically in about 75 words. 

1. So do not tell me - These haggard faces could belong to you or me. 

Context: 

These lines are extracted from the poem Regugees written by Brian Bilston. It is a powerful and moving poem on troubles faced by and, the life and feelings of a refugee. 

Explanation:

In the line “So do not tell me – these haggard faces could belong to you or me,” the poet urges readers to look beyond differences of nationality or status and recognize our shared humanity. The “haggard faces” represent the pain, exhaustion, and suffering of refugees. By saying they could belong to “you or me,” the poet reminds us that anyone could be in their place. The line appeals to empathy and challenges readers to reject indifference and prejudice.

General Relevance: 

In a world where fear and hatred often dominate discussions about refugees, this poem asks us to pause, reflect and remember our shared humanity. 

2. They really are - Chancers and Scroungers - Layabouts and Loungers

Context : 

These lines are extracted from the poem Regugees written by Brian Bilston. It is a powerful and moving poem on troubles faced by and, the life and feelings of a refugee. 

Explanation:

In the line “They really are – Chancers and Scroungers – Layabouts and Loungers,” the poet presents the harsh, prejudiced attitude often shown toward refugees. These insulting words reflect how society unfairly labels them as lazy or opportunistic. However, the poem Refugees is cleverly structured so that when read in reverse, it reveals the opposite message — one of kindness and understanding. This contrast shows how easily our views can change when we choose empathy over judgement.

General Relevance: 

In a world where fear and hatred often dominate discussions about refugees, this poem asks us to pause, reflect and remember our shared humanity.

3. Instead let us share our countries - Share our homes - Share our food

Context : 

These lines are extracted from the poem Regugees written by Brian Bilston. It is a powerful and moving poem on troubles faced by and, the life and feelings of a refugee. 

Explanation:

In the line “Instead let us share our countries – Share our homes – Share our food,” the poet appeals for compassion, unity, and generosity toward refugees. These words come when the poem Refugees is read in reverse, transforming earlier hostility into empathy. The repetition of “share” emphasizes kindness and a sense of global brotherhood. Through this simple yet powerful plea, Brian Bilston reminds us that peace and humanity can exist only when we open our hearts and help one another.

General Relevance: 

In a world where fear and hatred often dominate discussions about refugees, this poem asks us to pause, reflect and remember our shared humanity.

4. The world can be looked at another way - Do not be so stupid to think that - A place should only belong to those who are born there. 

Context : 

These lines are extracted from the poem Regugees written by Brian Bilston. It is a powerful and moving poem on troubles faced by and, the life and feelings of a refugee. 

Explanation:

In the lines “The world can be looked at another way – Do not be so stupid to think that – A place should only belong to those who are born there,” the poet urges readers to challenge narrow, selfish ideas about belonging. Brian Bilston suggests that the world should be seen with empathy and inclusiveness. These lines highlight the poem’s theme — that kindness and understanding can replace prejudice. The poet reminds us that compassion, not birthplace, defines true humanity.

General Relevance: 

In a world where fear and hatred often dominate discussions about refugees, this poem asks us to pause, reflect and remember our shared humanity. 

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

1. How dies the title "Refugees" reflect the dual message of the poem?

The title “Refugees” reflects the dual message of Brian Bilston’s poem because it captures both society’s prejudice and the poet’s call for compassion. On one level, the title refers to displaced people who are often treated with suspicion and hostility. In the first reading of the poem, the speaker expresses these harsh, negative opinions. However, when the poem is read in reverse, the tone changes completely — it becomes a plea for kindness, equality, and understanding. The word “Refugees” therefore carries two meanings: one showing how they are rejected, and the other showing how they deserve acceptance and care. The title perfectly suits the poem’s reversible structure, as it encourages readers to “look again” and see the other side — that refugees are not outsiders, but human beings who need our empathy and support.

2. Why did Brian write this poem and what effect does the poem’s reversible structure has the reader's understanding of the message?

Brian Bilston wrote “Refugees” to challenge the negative attitudes and stereotypes people often hold about those forced to flee their homes. He wanted to make readers reflect on how language can spread both hate and hope. The poem’s unique reversible structure is its most powerful feature. When read from top to bottom, it sounds harsh and filled with prejudice. But when read from bottom to top, it conveys compassion, unity, and acceptance. This clever technique shocks readers and forces them to re-examine their own perspectives. It shows that a simple change in attitude — just like reversing the poem — can completely transform hate into understanding. Through this structure, Bilston teaches that perspective matters, and kindness begins when we learn to see the world “another way.”