Bully

I saw you both bleeding as they clawed you

To helpless to respond

Too black to show your cuts

I didn’t fight but stood beside you

To show my solidarity and regard for your human rights

They said you didn’t belong

As if this country could remember birthdays and names

They call you illegal immigrants

Said you sort always brought misery and shame

I saw you both bleeding as they tore your skin

Blood and skin thick under fingernails

Cuts like ribbons, their teeth like wolves

Surrounded like bulls in pens

Helpless like lambs being slaughtered

They called you names that their ancestors gave you

Degrading names from the pit of hell

An almond tree stands erect behind you

Its branches weeping with springs late bloom

Its scent mixed with leather and blood

Sweet and pungent tinged with raw cow hide

I saw you both bleeding as they tore and clawed you

I didn’t fight but stood by your side.

My presence was a constant reminder

Of my right to be free to choose a side

A conscientious objectionable silence

Made them consider actions hate fuelled

And jealous dripping with white pride,