Paper, The wall of dreams

I dream of a world

without hate, without wars, a world where people help and love each other beyond their differences.

I dream that I won’t be afraid.

I dream of being loved and truly heard.

I dream of travelling the world without fear of being rejected, hated or despised.

I dream of having a voice as beautiful as Indila so I can sing in public.

I dream of not being restricted from achieving my goals just because I don’t have status in the UK. I dream that I will never be too old to learn new things.

I dream of all people being happy.

I dream of a safe world.

I dream that everyone will always smile.

I dream of having everything wonderful in my life.

I dream of becoming a teacher.

I dream of everyone I love to always be healthy, happy and lucky with all the best coming to us.

I dream for my children to be reunited with their father who is in Germany.

I dream that I can see my fears clearly enough as if they are in the sunshine.

I dream of being an upholsterer in Germany.

I dream of sunshine on the patio.

I dream of seeing my family and having a celebration of life together.

I dream that I won’t be afraid to give up my privileges.

I dream that everyone’s first response will be a smile and not a frown.

I dream of playing football.

I dream of having a good relationship with everyone - no fighting.

I dream of swimming in a clear sea on a sunny day.

I dream that I can reach my goals.

I dream of eating chocolate with my friends.

I dream of seeing my family and living together.

I dream of having a happy and good life in a small village, not big London.

I dream of having my own garden with plants and flowers.

I dream of helping the homeless.

I dream of having twins.

I dream that everyone can go to the hospital if they need to.

I dream that after 8pm nobody has to sleep on the streets.

I dream of living in a place where everyone respects each other.

I dreamt of a peaceful life when I was a teacher, and I wish I could have stayed there and taught, now I dream about my children being able to grow up in another country.

I dream of swimming in the sea with my sister.

I dream of making a family.

I dream of sisterhood.

I dream of making people happy.

I dream of reading every morning.

I dream of change.

I dream of peace in my father’s homeland.

I dream of speaking other languages.

I dream of being able to sing just for my family not becoming famous.

I dream of a more hopeful world.

I dream of seeing my mama one last time.

I dreamt of having had an education in Iraq, I would have wanted to be a teacher now, I want to move to Germany and start a new page, I want to learn a new language and start an education.

I dream of a world where difference is celebrated.

I dream of no more fossil fuels.

I dream of getting lost.

I dream that my grandmother could be young again.

I dream of learning well.

I dream of seeing my grandchildren visit me in the UK.

I dream of going to Cuba, Brazil, Thailand, Peru, and India.

I dream of supporting and helping my friends.

I dream of seeing my family.

I dream of changing the world, even in a small way.

I dream of us helping each other.

I dream of becoming a nurse.

I dream of working for the biggest organisation which could make a positive difference in people’s lives, like the United Nations, so that I can help the most disadvantaged people anywhere in the world.

I dream of feeling happy and being at peace with people.

I want to see my ninth generation and I want to enjoy them before I become a grandma.

I dream of justice.

I dream of being super rich, to be a trillionaire, to be an entrepreneur, to be a philanthropist, and to help a lot of people who are truly vulnerable.

I dream of working at the UN, of changing things for the better for African people.

I dream of living in a tropical country.

I dream of making beautiful documentaries.

I dream of a conscious life.

I dream of seeing my children again and of being a real mother physically.

I dream of seeing my family and my country again.

I dream of achieving the necessary training to open an orphanage.

I dream of having my own family.

I dream of seeing children excel.

I dream about the day the old and young, together hand in hand, walking the streets without fear.

I dream of seeing my country again.

I dream of going on a holiday with enough money.

I dream of being human again.

I dream of having a baby.

I dream of meeting my children who were killed.

I dream of growing wings and exploring the universe.

I dream about walking in my hometown in Afghanistan.

I dream of going back to visit my family.

I dream of a charity to support the dry lands of Africa.

I dream of being an English teacher.

I dream of a nice government.

I dream of seeing people win over rare illnesses.

I dream of seeing my son graduate.

I dream of peace in the world.

I dream of recovering from torture.

I dream of love.

I dream that my friends in this group who have not yet gotten their status, be given indefinite leave to stay so that they can finally settle in peace.

I dream of being a scientist.

I dream of becoming a criminologist.

I dream of a long life of ninety years.

I dream of being a UN representative of voiceless children and women, and to lobby for human rights.

I dream of seeing my cousin’s family grow up.

I dream of being healthy.

I dream of going to England, I want a good job, a good house, to learn English, I want a good future, I want my daughter to go to school, I want my daughter to be good in the future, I want to speak English easily.

I dream of taking care of the elderly.

I dream of driving a car.

I dream of being a proprietor of a charity for less privileged children both here in England and back home in my village.

I dream of going on holiday.

I dream of having my extended family here in England, of being a grandmother and a good one for that matter.

I dream of dance.

I dream of being in a position to support others.

I dream of going to Los Angeles.

I dream of travelling the world.

I dream of having a good and comfortable life with my family, I want to go to Germany because I think when I go to there I can have a good life, I want to be a good businessman.

I dream of going home.

I dream of helping my city of Mogadishu.

I dream of getting married.

I dream of the small bananas from back home.

I dream of refugees getting a chance to stay.

I dream of travelling the world.

I dream of helping the people in my city be unafraid of bombs.

I dream of love.

I dream of my son leaving home.

I dream about the day I saw the white pearl of the Indian Ocean, about peace.

I dream about the day I saw the return of motivated people who work hard to free us from colonization.

I dream about the day I saw the likes of the brave woman Xawa Taako, independent and spirited.

I dream of being rich and happy.

I dream of becoming a scientist or archaeologist.

I dream of being respected, and of going out with Nicki Minaj.

I dream of raindrops on a sports car.

I dream of helping people in different countries.

I dream of a big, white car. It looks like a royal car with a lots of decoration.

Made of gold, even on the inside of this amazing car.

It looks so beautiful and so powerful.

I dream of being a secondary school teacher because I have a lot of experience.

I dream of seeing and helping my family back home.

I have a secret dream of being a footballer.

I dream of stealing things.

I dream of watching football.

I dream of starting uni and graduating.

I dream of being a lawyer, and a dream that keeps me going is a dream to help local communities.

I dream of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

I dream of my mother’s smile: rare and precious, it is worth more than anything to me in the world.

I dream of Magnum icecream.

I dream of becoming a football player.

I dream of being a police officer and a model.

I dream of flowers in a massive open field, I can see a huge open space, a gush of wind that cools me down in the summer heat, the field is overwhelming, you wouldn’t even know where to begin your exploration, in the distance, you can see a palette of colours from the flowers and grass, I love this sight, nature is beautiful on the eyes.

I dream of no direction.

I dream of becoming a teacher, moving abroad and starting a family.

I dream of actresses.

I dream of being rich.

I dream of happiness, especially for my children.

I dream about meeting the rest of One Direction.

I dream of tasting rainbows.

I dream of being a doctor and a translator for people.

I dream of having wings and flying off to space and beyond.

I dream of knowing everything on the computer.

I dream of doing a tour of wartorn countries and to help build facilities for them.

I dream of true happiness, proper contentment, and bliss.

I dream of having control over my emotions.

I dream of hearing my friends and family’s voices because they make me happy to know I am connected.

I dream of having a house, work, school and a beautiful city.

I want to live with my family amongst good people, for myself to have good friends and a beautiful future.

I want to learn how to be a mechanic.

I dream of a proper education, pursuing something I enjoy.

I dream of visiting clouds, gracing us with rain.

I dream of making a difference.

I dream of being a scientist.

I dream of dancing at a funeral.

I dream of joining my husband in Germany and to be able to write in English.

I dream of going to Barcelona, Spain, I want to do to go dancing, I want to go to the bazaar, I want to cook food, I want to go to kickboxing, I want to play football, I want to go shopping.

I dream of exploring.

I dream of going to the moon.

I dream of everyone in London smiling at each other.

I dream of free school education for everyone in the world.

I dream of feeling the sky.

I dream of being best friends with someone.

I dream of having five houses in central London.

I dream of having three wives and twenty children.

I dream of pine trees dancing in the wind.

I dream of a baby blue vintage Volkswagen bus packed with a travelling kit and posters from the past.

I dream of my children playing with their wolves and dogs.

I dream of campfires, roasting marshmallows as I tune my ukulele and sing songs.

I dream of a husband protecting his family and teaching life skills.

I dream of a time where we don’t need Wi-Fi to connect, but use our souls.

I dream of a transparent river leading to a lake.

I dream of honesty and happy faces.

I dream of equality and no discrimination, I dream of being accepted as I am.

I dream of being understood.

I dream of a sea breeze, a small little home surrounded by the great ocean.

I dream of peace, laughter and smiling faces - a happiness that makes your cheeks hurt.

I dream of reading newspaper articles.

I dream of people believing more in their potential, not underestimating themselves.

I dream of peace in the world.

I dream of being free to travel in the world and not being stopped by nationality to do that.

I dream of respect for each other.

I dream of my wishes coming true.

I dream of equality.

I dream of a soundtrack, James Bay, replaying the chaos and the calm.

I dream of a future that holds everything I hold in high value.

I dream of tranquillity amongst the loud.

I dream of a coloured sky filled with red and blue.

I dream of the sun slowdancing in a cold sky.

I dream of endless joy and laughter shared with other dreamers, doers and believers.

I dream of a forest, filled with green, shadowed in brown.

I dream of the people, dressed in feathers and leaves with nothing on but the smear of red and blue to illuminate their forever glowing skin.

I dream of no right or wrong, only of laughter.

I dream of a lion’s roar among the gentle breeze.

I dream of mangoes everywhere, mango everything.

I dream of people bursting with so much love that it brings happiness to everyone around them.

I dream of you believing in my wildest dreams, me believing in yours, I dream of us reaching those dreams together.

I dream about meeting you again.

I dream of getting to know new people.

I dream of travelling all over the world.

I dream of going to university.

I dream of neon lights that brighten up my future, my wants and my needs.

I dream of visiting every castle.

I dream of becoming a millionaire.

I dream of using an electric car.

I dream of making a film.

I dream of travelling around the world, to get to know different people, cultures and food: I dream of being a tourist.

I dream of being a childminder because I love amazing children.

I dream of helping people with food, water, medicine, education and clothes.

I dream of helping people and to be a police officer.

I dream of riding a bike.

I dream of going to a country that fits me, where there is peace and a future for me.

I dream of waking up earlier.

I dream about going to Stockholm.

I dream of having children and of making them happy.

I dream of never eating chicken.

I dream of seeing an Arsenal game, it would make me very happy.

I dream of being a tourist because I like travelling around the world and getting to know lots of people and learning where they come from.

I dream of learning history and language.

I dream of being a basketball player because I really like that and of being healthy, famous and happy.

I dream of being a police officer and keeping people safe and friendly.

I dream of being a famous football player, to feel proud with a lot of people around me supporting me.

I dream of being a businesswoman to help my family and other people because that will make me happy.

I dream of marrying and building a family.

I dream of freedom.

I dream of independence.

I dream of having a pet lion.

I dream of helping the sick and poor people in poor conditions such as in Africa etc. because I like helping the poor and sick people in the world.

I dream of being a doctor because they save people, being a doctor is important for me because I am giving health.

I dream of being a famous football player.

I dream of becoming a psychologist.

I dream of being a football player and travelling around the world.

I dream that Trump would force Assad out of Syria so all refugees can go back.

I dream of being a dentist because I like cleaning people’s teeth, even if it is bit disgusting, and telling them to stop eating chocolate and drinking fizzy drinks.

I dream of studying marketing management and of feeling happy.

I dream of meeting and being surrounded by new people so that they can support me more and we can share ideas.

I dream of being a doctor to help people and give them medicine.

I dream of having a big house with a nice garden and having two children and a good husband.

I dream of having contact with my old friends because they are my best friends and we have been friends since I was young.

I dream of going to Germany to have a good life and continuing my education, I want to be a fashion designer in the future and I dream that I have a beautiful house and live with my family and go to the market every week to buy clothes I love clothes.

I dream of reading.

I dream about my dream home.

I dream about Nadia.

I dream of happiness and good life for all refugees in all countries.

I dream of not being lazy.

I dream of going to my son in Germany and for the war to finish in Syria.

I dream that my country was Norway.

I dream about getting my happy life back.

I dream of seeing my girlfriend again.

I dream of having a family.

I dream of being a football player in Barcelona.

I dream of going to tomorrow land.

I dream of being a nurse because I like to help people and look after the sick. I feel really happy if people are in pain and I can make them better.

I dream of travelling around the world.

I dream of a boy, I love him and his name is Angel.

I dream about no more wars.

I dream of becoming a fairy.

I dream of seeing my family again.

I dream of one day going to the beach with my sister and playing with the sand and in the sea.

I dream that my children will finish their education and move to the USA for safety and security.

I dream of going back home after the war is over.

I dream about reaching a country that respects refugees.

I dream of becoming close to people.

I dream about a cabin in the mountains.

I dream of going to Argentina to drink Matta.

I dream about a beautiful life for my children, full of happiness.

I dream of a good future.

I dream of going back home and for security and safety to prevail.

I dream of becoming a policewoman and having a telephone.

I dream of going back to my home country, for peace to prevail, and to get out of Greece.

I dream of reaching a future where we can continue our lives.

I dream of stopping the war in Syria, my country, and to become an artist.

I dream of going back home even though I have lost my family and I’m currently in Greece which feels like a jungle, henceforth, my dream is to go somewhere where there’s someone I know.

I dream of becoming a millionaire.

I dream that Jamal can grow hair on his head.

I dream of being a football player.

I dream of being Cristiano Ronaldo.

I dream of being a French teacher.

I dream about having a dog and a cat.

I dream of being a model.

I dream to finish the war in Syria.

I dream of being Superman.

I dream about love, kindness, safety and happiness.

I dream of living in peace.

I dream about going back to Syria with my family.

I dream about a Lamborghini.

I dream of becoming a lawyer.

I dream of working in a library and being happy.

I dream of being happy.

I dream of having a happy dream.

I dream about marrying a girl from Greece and learning the Greek language.

I dream of becoming an immigration lawyer.

I dream of having a dog because he will be a good guard and a good friend.

I dream about peace in all of the world.

I dream of being a woman basketball player.

I dream about going to a circus.

I dream about a nice and beautiful house with many flowers and plants.

I dream about marrying again and living with my daughter somewhere safe.

I dream that all the countries in the world will stop fighting each other.

I dream that everybody will be okay.

I dream about love, safety, happiness, kindness, morals and victory.

I dream about a free and independent Palestine.

I dream about freedom in all of the world.

I dream of an end to the war and to have a baby.

I dream about a happy life in the nearest future.

I dream of living in peace with my husband, my son, my family and for peace in my country Syria.

I dream about a good future.

I dream that God could make the impossible, possible.

I dream of finding my husband again and living in the same house and underneath the same roof.

I dream of becoming a mum for a baby and of living together with my family in a safe country.

I dream about peace and love for my country and for my family.

I dream of finding my mother again and completing my studies.

I dream of living together with my mother.

I dream about finding my three sons in Iraq and travelling to another country away from Greece.

I dream about finding a husband for my daughter Dianna.

I dream of seeing my six sons in Syria and my husband again.

I dream of going to my husband in Norway.

I dream about a better life for my children.

I dream of going to Germany, I dream of going to German class, I dream of having a beautiful home and living with my family in it, I dream of shopping and buying new clothes, I dream of going to the park, I want to play ping pong.

I am pregnant and I dream about peace and love for my baby and family.

I dream of happiness in your life.

I dream of having a lot of money so I can send my mother to Mecca Hajj.

I dream of having a baby in the future because I do not have one now.

I dream of living together again with my brother in Germany and with my mother in Lebanon, and I hope I will be able to continue working in Jafra.

I dream about being with my love again.

I dreamt of my mother choosing me a bride.

I dream of becoming a doctor.

I dream to laugh and dance.

I dream of being Superman.

I dream of going to London.

I dream about being peaceful in Afghanistan.

I dream about all humans reaching their dreams.

I dream about peace and safety in Afghanistan.

I dream about going to France.

I dream of going back to Afghanistan and for peace and safety to prevail.

I dream of freedom, health and success.

I dream about being with my sister and my partner again, and that I was in good health.

I dream about going to school to become a teacher.

I dream about being able to say no to sex.

I dream about working in a market.

I dream of becoming a translator.

I dream of becoming a cardiologist, chauffeur and a chef.

I dream of going to Germany to join my aunt and uncle and to leave Greece behind.

I dream about the world being peaceful and calm, and for everybody to be happy in their lives.

I dream about a happy life for members of my family and for my country, I hope for a better life for my daughter and for my parents.

I dream about going to Germany and becoming an engineer.

I dream of becoming a lawyer, I want to grow up and go to Denmark and when I have money I want to return to Syria and buy a motorcycle and a gift for my mum.

I dream of becoming a tennis player.

I dream of helping other people.

I dream about going to England.

I dream of being a make-up artist.

I dream about having a horse and Batwoman and Spiderwoman and Superwoman.

I dream of having a good house.

I dream of becoming a scientist.

I dream about going to Germany and buying everything there and giving it to my father and my sister, and buying a phone for my mom.

I dream of being a painter.

I dream of love and to be loved.

I dream of being with my children, since I miss them.

I dream that my one daughter was able to speak again.

I dream of becoming a teacher.

I dream about being with my daughter again.

I dream about having my mother and father with me forever.

I dream that my child was not sick.

I dream of being a weightlifter.

I dream of becoming a lawyer.

I dream about the best for Melissa.

I dream about a big home.

I dream of learning another language.

I dream of reaching another country.

I dream of peace and a good future for my children.

I dream about good health for my father and for all the people I love.

I dream of having a masters in education and human rights, and starting my own family.

I dream of becoming a cardiologist.

I dream about going back to Syria and working there for three years, then -when I have money, I want to go to Denmark.

I dream of becoming a doctor so I can help people.

I dream of being a tourist.

I dream of seeing different cultures and countries.

I dream about living in a house by myself.

I dream of supporting my elderly mother.

I have no dreams, only goals.

I dream about being Snow White and of having a cat and a flower.

I dreamt of growing up and becoming a university student.

I dream about going to Germany to see my uncle.

I dream of being part of the modern world.

I dream about speaking German.

I dream about studying in America.

I dream about having wings and flying.

I dream about a flower in a house, and I would like to swim.

I dream about always being on a train into the unknown.

I dream about going to my school and of my friends.

I dream of going to Europe and having a house, and then buying a dog with a lot of hair.

I dream of cooking my food by myself.

I dream of being a dancer.

I dream of being an Arabic teacher.

I dream of having a farm with chickens and hens and having my own eggs.

I dream that there will be no more homelessness.

I dream of being with my father.

I dream of seeing each one of my kids living in a house and educating their children.

I dream of a safe country for me and my son.

I dream of being an English teacher.

I dreamt of being a lawyer in a safe and peaceful country, now, I dream of moving to Germany, I wish my parents who live in Iraq can come visit me in Germany.

I dream of being a doctor.

I dream of having my freedom.

I dream of living moments of the past again.

I dream of an education.

I dream of working as a mechanic in Copenhagen.

I dream of it getting better.

I dream of continuing my education.

I dream of living in one of the European countries because in Iraq there is no democracy and no freedom.

I dreamt of a future with my family in a house.

I dream of travelling to my dad in Germany, I haven’t seen him for two years.

I dream that my mother no longer has cancer.

I dream of a comfortable life.

I dream of travelling around the world for one year.

I dream of having my own bar.

I dream of a fragrance with no tomorrow.

I dream of meeting my sisters and brothers as often as possible.

I dream of living in Japan.

I dream of seeing you again.

I dream that someone finds a pill for wounded souls.

I dream of becoming a famous actress.

I dream that my family and I me to have a healthy life and to live happily for the rest of our lives, for my kids to grow up as good Christians and to see them successful.

I dream of composing a new piece of hip-hop.

I dream of a forest.

I dream of getting married.

I dream of walking outside.

I dream of being a photographer and having a motorbike.

I dream of being a general in my own army in Syria and fighting, and then destroying all weapons and bringing peace.

I dream of finding my husband again.

I dream of being able to translate for people and also of becoming a doctor.

I dream of being a teacher.

I dream of staying in Greece and of learning to speak English.

I dream of being construction worker.

I dream of being a doctor and treating the ill.

I dream of having all my family, even the ones who are still in Iraq, with me in Germany.

I dream of being able to continue my children’s education.

I dream that my four kids will move to Germany and be better than me, I never went to school, my parents did not let me go, I wish I could have gone.

I dream of becoming close to people.

I dream of being a dentist.

I dreamt about finishing school and university, I want to become a diplomat, this is still my dream.

I dream of being a captain of a large ship.

I dream of being Elsa from the movie Frozen.

I dream of going to Jerusalem.

I dream of being a doctor.

I dream of being a police officer.

I dream about my house in my hometown in Iraq.

I dream of being an artist.

I dream of getting indefinite leave status to be able to remain.

I dream of going to Canada as it is a nice country where I can speak English.

I dream of being able to continue my children’s education.

I dream of owning my own store and to help people who need money when I have some of my own.

I dreamt of growing up to be an engineer and working in Europe, now, all I dream about is moving to Germany.

I dream of getting a job.

I dream about reaching a country that respects refugees.

I dream of going to Switzerland and Australia.

I dream about living in safety.

I dream of working in a clothing shop.

I dreamt about playing in peace and that we ate all lunch together in India.

I dream of going out with a girl and making love with her.

I dream of dying because I can’t take this life anymore after waiting for one year and a half in Greece.

I dream of going to Germany or America, I want to be a mechanic, I want my family to go to the park.

I dream that my family and I can return to our country.

I dreamt about finishing university, when I was a child my mother was sick and I dreamt of becoming a doctor.

I dreamt of becoming a lawyer.

I dream of a free Palestine.

I dream of settling and to feel safe because we are tired of waiting.

I dream of going to Sweden to join my sister and brother and for my parents in Iraq to be able to join them too.

I dream of becoming a doctor.

I dream of speaking English well.

I dream about getting my love back.

I dream of becoming a doctor.

I dream a big dream of helping people.

I dream about my friends in Iraq.

I dreamt about having picnics with my friends.

I dream about improving the life of my people.

I dream of becoming a football player.

I dream of being back home in my childhood.

I dream of being a motorbike racer.

I dream of travelling around the world and meeting different people from different countries.

I dream of seeing my mum.

I dream to be an actor.

I dream of living in a beautiful atmosphere.

Wall of Dreams is a collective poem written with the dreams of refugees. It was written for the launch of Southbank Centre’s Poetry International and London Literature Festivals and the dreams was collected in Denmark, France, Greece, Italy and the UK during 2017. Wall of Dreams is a large-scale poetical installation projected onto the Royal Festival Hall exterior, and is a collaboration between poets Morten Søndergaard, Jasmine Cooray and Kayo Chingony and was made possible with the contribution from 650 different people.

Thanks to these organisations: Help Refugees, London, UK, Refugee Youth, London, UK, Women for Refugee Women, London, UK, Nomad, London, UK, CARAS, London, UK, Alkyone day center, Greece, Arsis, Greece, Intervolve, Softex Refugee Camp, Thessaloniki, Greece, Jafra R2R, Greece, Khora community centre, Greece, Melissa Network, Athen, Greece, Lesvos solidarity, Pikpa camp, Lesvos, Greece, Swiss Cross, Lesvos, Greece, Drop in the ocean, Skaramangas camp, Athens, Greece, Refugees at Louisiana Art Museum Humlebæk, Denmark, Refugees at SIK Sprogcenteret in Kalundborg, Denmark, refugees in and around Paris, France, refugees at Lampedusa, Italy. Thanks to Lars Sidenius, Bea Colley, Lizzie Wait, Egle Banelyte, Jérémy Ristord, Anna Maria Orrù and a special thanks to Naja Ashley Misfeldt.

The Wall of Dreams is part of Nordic Matters Festival at Southbank Centre and is sponsored by Danish Arts Foundation, The Royal Danish Embassy London and SGM Lights and is based on an artwork by Morten Søndergaard.

Printed at GraphicUnit Designed by Wrong Studio ISBN: 978-87-92758-96-5