I was so moved by this cleverly written poem I just had to share it. Steffan Griffiths, the Headmaster of Norwich School, where I work as an IT Services Manager, included this in his start of term address, which focused on the power of language. As you all know, I love to write poetry – mainly rhyming verse – but this poem has touched me. Please do have a read – both ways – it will blow your mind.
Refugees, by Brian Bilston
They have no need of our help
So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or me
Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are
Chancers and scroungers
Layabouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves
They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These people are just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way
(Now read from bottom to top)
Writing and Rhythm 