Page 97 - Poems by Alyson Malach - Childhood to Adulthood
P. 97
Echoes of History
In the history of racism, our story unfolds,
From the New Cross Fire, a tragedy untold.
The British Nationality Act laid the ground,
For a divide that kept deepening, year-round.
The Brixton riots, Broadwater Farm’s plight,
Communities clashed, demanding their rights.
Dalian Atkinson, a footballer, met a tragic end,
Tasered to death, a life we couldn’t defend.
St Paul’s in Bristol, riots broke out,
Moss Side and Toxteth, voices loud and stout.
Handsworth’s streets, filled with cries,
For justice and change, under oppressive skies.
John Barnes, a black football star,
Bananas thrown at him; the hate went far.
Cyrille Regis, with bullets and threats,
Faced danger for goals he set.
In the 80s, MPs argued loud,
For repatriation, a hurtful crowd.
Our grandmothers staffed the NHS so dear,
Grandfathers on public transport, year after year.
Britain’s wealth, from colonies drawn,
Coffee, tobacco, cotton, diamonds adorned.
Our grandparents, not just immigrants, you see,
British citizens, World War II veterans, proud and free.
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