Saturday, July 3, 2010

P.S. I’m a criminal

Dear friend, I don’t know where to start
I’m on the run – I see them dart
at me. The reason... I’m losing hope. Please –
publish my story, so I can feel at ease.
Let them hear my journey to find my inner peace.

P.S. I’m a criminal

I’m a criminal – for being born
in South Africa – Apartheid has torn
my ancestors’ dignity for five and a half decades,
born in a ghetto, reality fades.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Birthright has been revoked at birth.
“Black Homelands” outside Johannesburg, why on earth
was I deported – I thought I was home in Africa
I was too young to understand said cousin Erica

P.S. I’m a criminal

I arrived in UK 28th January nineteen eighty five,
not as South African, but a Hutu refugee, to find a better life.
What a fateful day – “We are the World” – that was what some were singing.
Back in Africa, my family and friends were fighting and clinging
To “Life” – trying – To survive

P.S. I’m a criminal

“Life” is coated in Europe with a different meaning.
That was my first impression as a teenager, leading
to my second impression, this cancelled my very first.
Racial segregation, a matter of the past – social segregation, at its worst.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Welcome to London – Newham – found home, inner urban
my neighbours – Blacks – Muslims – Asians wearing turban.
Finding a way out of misery – while I watch TV?
Can’t believe what I see –
Mike Tyson K.O. – Nelson Mandela finally
Set free - 11th February nineteen ninety
Finding a way out of misery – while I watch TV!

P.S. I’m a criminal

Dear friend, I don’t justify
What I did, what I do – I don’t even try
To find an excuse why I am locked up here
If this is society’s justice, then I have nothing to fear.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Young – despaired – proud – idealistic – misled
Driven by my ambition, demons follow me to bed.
Everyone out there tries to make it – what is at stake?
A criminal mind built over the years – one opportunity to take.
Without any prospects I have nothing to lose,
ain’t it easy to judge while you’re sipping your booze?!
Meet me half way with a clear state of mind!
Sitting Hyde Park, discussing me & my own kind.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Dear friend, I don’t know how it came to this.
It went all too quick – either my fault or his.
Locked up, I see people from my neighborhood
Justice – since the days in “Black Homeland” – everything is good.
Born behind bars, ceased behind bars
It was a childhood dream – one of those red & fast cars
From Johannesburg to Cape Town
Free at home – not only The Crown

P.S. I’m a criminal

Sincere regards
Samuel – Speaking to the hearts

(Grievance in History is for remembrance - Not to point the finger at each other)
Pen 'N' Paper
Copyright © 2010

No comments:

Post a Comment