|

Poems tagged ‘Integration’

You’re Supposed to Be at Home

Denys E. W. Jones

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024

Back when I lived in Blighty,
And went to football Grounds,
I’d sometimes hear a mocking chant
Around the place resound:

“You’re supposed to be at home.”
Away fans they would sing,
When their team was two, three, four up,
And heading for a win.

Myself I found no fault with that,
A mild, good-humoured taunt.
The home fans did not take offence,
Hurt caused was next to nought.

But now I often hear these words
Said with a darker tone,
Directed at all kinds of folk,
Who’ve come from lands unknown.

Perhaps their skin’s of darker hue,
Or eyes of different shape.
Maybe the women wear a veil,
To cover up their face.

“Where are you from? Where really from?
You came here on a boat?
Get back, get back where you belong,
You’re s’posed to be at home.”

Once Integration was the word,
But that’s now been replaced.
Of Deportation some now talk,
And purity of race.

In Washington and London,
In Paris, Berlin, Rome,
Again that football chant is heard:
“You’re s’posed to be at home!”

11/11/24
Denys E. W. Jones

1 Comment »

Source: http://footballpoets.org/news/poem-tags/integration/