This week’s poem is by Benjamin Zephaniah (b. 1958), the British poet, who composes from within the traditions of Jamaica and reggae. He is known for his poetry of protest against injustice. His work is universal in its vision and he performs his work worldwide.

The Old Truth

.
Rumour has it
Once upon a time
Dere was Peace, Luv and Unity
One race, de Human Race etc,
Africans traded wid de Irish
Chinese traded wid de Arabs etc,
Rumour has it
We made luv in de open.

Before Religion
Before Politicks,
Our names meant something,
Nu high art,
Nu low brow
Jus a milk an honey scene.

Rumour has it
Jesus                           (Peace be upon him)
Krishna                      (Peace be upon him)
Mohammed              (Peace be upon him)
Harriet Tubman       (Peace be upon her)
Yim Wing Chun       (Peace be upon her)
Amina                        (Peace be upon her)
        All came

Rumour has it
Our destinies are all
(Rumour has it)
de same.

Poems for These Times

‘Poems for These Times’ is a special collection of poetry offered in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is intended as a way of sustaining us, and to give us something on which to meditate together during these difficult and challenging times.

There will be just one poem each week, so that we can really stay with what is offered. We can read it – perhaps aloud – to ourselves or to any companions in our isolation, and sense the vibrations through our whole being. For poetry has the power to affect us on every level – body, mind, heart and soul. It has a magic, which, in the words of poet Adrienne Rich:

“… goes back very far: the rune; the chant; the incantation; the spell; the kenning; sacred words; the naming of the child; the plant, the insect, the ocean, the configuration of stars, the snow, the sensation in the body… The physical reality of the human voice.”

Of course, not every poem will appeal to everyone – that is inevitable. But there is also the possibility that staying with something that does not immediately appeal can be stimulating and helpful. Experience suggests that sustained attention and contemplation of a poem’s music, words and thoughts can be deeply rewarding.

It would be lovely to share any responses and thoughts you may have through our comments section below.

Barbara Vellacott