Vincent P. Magombe

"BLACK + WHITE = US"
(By Vincent P. Magombe, London: Dec. 1992 - Feb. 1993)

NB: This poem is written at a time when racial hatred is growing in Europe, and many black people are fearful that a new iron curtain is being built to separate white from black! But, significantly, too, the author started writing the poem on the day he himself was attacked by a racist gang at the doorsteps of his own home in South London! The name 'Clarke', which appears in this poem has nothing to do with the prominent British politician and Home Secretary at the time of writing. It is just one of those poetic European names, that surprisingly rhymes wonderfully with the word 'Black'.


You are white, and I am black...
So what, eeeh Monsieur Clarke!

We all cry, when we are sad!
And laugh, when we are glad!

When angry, Oooh, we are mad!
And at times, how we are bad!

We love... we want... we aspire!
And at times, Oooh, we conspire!

Tricking friend and foe alike!
With tricks... we all dislike!

I am black, and you are white!
It is no secret to hold tight!

We came of apes, so we are told!
Warm of blood, and not too cold!

We are young, before we are old!
Can be hairy, and can be bold!

We can cough, or catch a cold!
Can lose our life in one fold!

So hey, ya brother, what do you say!
We wona breathe... and we wona stay!

You are white, and I am black...
So what, eeeh Monsieur Clarke!

Vincent P. Magombe
Copyright by Vincent P. Magombe