2nd day of Poetry Month 2018

Sometimes things happen and you just have to comment immediately. Months later you are still pleased with what you said. That's a great feeling.

Apology Not Accepted

You were not there. You were wrapped up and insulated
when the white men dragged him away from his home
and his mother. She was crying; all his family were crying.

You were not there. You were just un petit garçon mignon
in your father’s mind when the old white-haired men,
severely dressed in white and black,
shaved his hair, robbing him of his ancestors.

You were not there. You were just playing tag and
skating on ice-covered ponds with boys from your neighbourhood.
Speaking only English and feeding him boiled potatoes and
(shoe leathered) beef, he forgot who he was
as days turned to months, then to years, then to eternity.

You were not there. So why apologize for something
you did not have a hand in? Your words are so empty, like
he is inside
without his protectors
those who came through before him
like the bear, the crow, the eagle, the frog.


© Catherine Woods 2017