I'm From by Michele Ross

I’m from

High rise estate with no trees,

Family out of back to backs,

2p race and bingo nights

Concrete church.

I’m from

Not fitting in.

Steel pans, alsatians snapping,

All day Pentecostal singing,

Five family house with Minton hall,

Riots down the road.

I’m from

Spicy corner shop.

Victorian pool swimming with leaves,

Cycle to the fields to breathe,

Long lazy Sundays in

African time.

I’m from

Expelled kids making good,

Playing pool with disaffected youth,

Allotment packed with coriander,

Urban farm and music theatre,

All thrown in the pot together,

Chickens running loose.

I’m from

Young kids in red light houses,

Doped up rasta baby daddies,

Pack of dogs and our dead kitten,

Wary walks to school.

I’m from

Well-meaning white liberals,

Boys brigade march with trumpets;

Mosque and church

As good neighbours,

Rum-soaked cake.

I’m from

Let’s get stuck into building bridges

Carnivals and protest marches

Dad at home sewing dresses,

Billy Graham and Bishop Tutu rallies;

Police horse,

School girl flasher,

Planning my escape.