I Thought We Had Something in Common

“I thought we had something in common?” I said to my mother one day. “You thought we had something in common?” My mother repeated back to me. “Yes, but that man was taken away for no reason.” “Surely coming from a different race is no act of treason?” “Well where we live there are deep divisions within society.” This statement filled me with anxiety. I thought to myself, as a child would Why a world so rich with life could Justifiably ignore a sense of humanity And act with such insanity. I was abandoned by my mother for challenging the norm, She did not value a child who believed in reform. Although that made me weep, And from it I lost several nights sleep, I knew that like a bird in a cage, I could sing my song of outrage. My song was heard by others like me, To me they were drawn, like a dog with its fleas. Together we began to shout; “Change will not come unless we act out!” “We have something in common. All of us!” “We will stand together and start to make a fuss!” For now I know that I was right to question Because what makes us different should be no cause for aggression. Not one person is more important than another Each man, no matter race, is another man’s brother. Society cannot tell our generation to be quiet. The young will stand up. We will riot. “I thought we had something in common.” I told those who would listen. “We do have something in common!” But for others that connection did not matter. The message of equality is strong. But the battle for it to be won will be long. All we want is for all to belong.
by Harriet Goldson, Age 17, Thorpe St Andrew High School and Sixth Form

© Copyright 2020 Harriet Goldson. All rights reserved.