Kahvia Pulla

I sat for pulla kahvia,
And boy, scars still remind ya,
A guy with symbols of hate,
His girl beside, fair dinkum mate.

The unease deep within,
Where trouble can begin,
Cronulla still, etched in memory,
Some in Helsinki, call for demaree.

I sought a new start,
Prejudice clutches at my heart,
Pauline and the divisive embrace,
Seeking hate and disgrace.

Riikka’s views the same,
Such a shame,
Enjoying a kahvi grace,
In my adopted place, in space.

They call here a haven of peace,
Yet some echoes never cease,
I find myself torn,
My heart is worn.

I stand tall,
I won't let fall,
I'll rise above,
In unity and love.

— Mohamed Louanjli, Helsinki, July 2023.