
Labi Siffre “Something inside so strong”
This has not been a couple of good weeks for our country with the appalling attack on Westminster and the divisive Article 50. On Facebook I see friends argue and insults flying between people who should be working together. This week I wanted to write something that reminds us all we are not perfect and yet we have more in common than divides us. At the same time I draw huge comfort from listening to “Something inside so strong” by Labbi Siffre. It is a song that gives hope and is as beautiful as any poem I have ever read.
Labi has a blog at http://www.intothelight.info/ it is well worth a visit. He remains as clear and incisive as ever.
If you would like to hear me reading the poem click here
North and South
We all have that mental list of hurts and grievances
The memories of the bullies bitter words and fists
Lover’s parting accusations and cruel put downs
Scar tissue whose details are undiminished by time
We are a nation of differences North and South
We are a complex of languages East and West
We are Sunni and Shia, Protestant and Catholic
We are roasted vegetables and grilled steak
We all have a mental list of our mistakes and regrets
When we accused the innocent and ignored the guilty
The incautious remark and the insult we do not remember
But sits like a stone wedged in the heart of others
We are a nation of similarities Laughter and Smiles
We are a complex of shared experiences
We are a stranger’s smile on a sunny afternoon
We are Curry and Chips, Sunrise and Sunset
We all have a mental list of what make us stronger
When we stood up to those who point the finger
When we championed the blameless against the accuser
When we held hands and not grudges
We are a world of divisions that need healing
We are British and Europeans, Women and Men
We are Scottish and Irish, English and Welsh
We are stronger United and Weaker divided
©Jeff Price March 2017