More poetry in response-written in the early hours

Written in the early hours of the morning, by Bella Zhawi usually a quiet time of reflection, but for me personally, pierced with the sound of sirens all night.

London Hurts.

I still disagree with Hobbes.

I do not believe that the state

Of nature is ‘nasty, brutish & short”.

I still believe in man

And the power to love and

I still believe that human nature

Doesn’t easily crumble at the first

Hint of trouble. I have hope

That love will find it’s way onto

Our streets and make our

Heartbeats stronger. My insides

Ache when they see my helplessness.

Anger does breed violence

But love will hike mountains

For you. Bridge the smallest

Of gaps. Fight till it’s drained

Of all blood and the heart

Gives up.

Today I became a real Londoner,

I felt with those who have

The same spirit as mine.

I have never felt more British,

Yet more removed. I cry all

The time. Today I cried for the

Boys who choose to burn the ground

So they can please their flesh.

Men who have no heart and choose

To rape their own homes.

My tears were for the ones at home

Watching their businesses burn,

And their jobs as black, billows of smoke.

I cried for mothers who didn’t tell their

Sons that pyromania and opportunism do

Not make a real man, but a heart that feels.

A heart that grieves and loves.

I say Boris, The Funny Man

Please bring us some jokes.

He didn’t answer he was nowhere

To be found but come next year.

I cried for him too because there

Is no difference between him & them.

London is burning.

Tomorrow, I will go and clean up

My local town centre.

Alonngside those who understand

That community isn’t about

Thieving our frustrations away,

But putting together our voices

To be one. Then next time we

Ask for accountability, we will

Be heard without having to

Burn down our homes.

Thank you.

Belinda K. Zhawi