A heartbreaking question, asked by Omphileneo, aged twelve.
Don’t ask that question,
It isn’t appropriate:
What did you do
To make white people hate you?
We came invading
And there you were, waiting,
There you were, wonderful
Shining, and beautiful
Fierce and noble
And bright and courageous.
Calling you savages?
We saw ourselves in you.
Saw our own shortcomings
Each time we looked at you.
If you were less than us
Why would we lessen you?
Don’t ask that question
That places the blame on you:
Nothing you are
Is deserving of hatred
Everything you are
Is shining and wonderful.
Tom Juniper Poetry 