The Roma of Europe: “Journeying out, but no longer Travelers”

When I was a kid, I can remember folks saying: “The Gypsies are coming! The Gypsies are coming!” with an odd mix of excitement and fear. From Iowa to Egypt, I was raised on the stereotypes.

When I was a kid, I can remember folks saying: “The Gypsies are coming! The Gypsies are coming!” with an odd mix of excitement and fear. From Iowa to Egypt, I was raised on the stereotypes.

Some seemed romantic: “running off to join the Gypsies,” or the character of Carmen, whose death closes Bizet’s opera, or Gypsy fortune tellers, violinists and music. Some were negative: “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” or “Don’t ‘gyp’ me.”

One misconception about Roma people (“Gypsy” is pejorative for many) is that they wish to continue to travel. In fact, most Roma wish to settle, work and educate their children. However, governments and neighbors force Roma to journey out, often by bulldozing or burning settlements, or other harassment. Deportees to new countries, new schools, and new languages, they find education and equal access to work or services very difficult, indeed.

Today we share two poems by Roma poet Hedina Tahirovic Sijercic, born and educated in Sarajevo. Hedina edited the anthology of Roma Women’s poetry entitled: Sar o Paj — Like Water (Amber Press, 2010).

Romani people’s lives cross continental, cultural and linguistic boundaries. Their stories have yet to be fully told. We hope you read and share Hedina’s poems aloud with others, as you prepare minds and hearts for the cycle of prayer and thanksgiving one month from now.

In peace and in hopes for justice,

Liz and Doug Searles in Lodz, PL

Doug and Elizabeth Searles serve with the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland.  They serve as mission workers for church growth and outreach.