EMPIRE WINDRUSH – CARIBBEAN PIONEERS
A Poem By Bryan Bailey
Four Nine Two they came brave and true
Seeking opportunities where streets were paved with gold
A time when innocence and hearts were barely new
And hope was their saviour that led them on
The war had since past and times were hard
Unemployment high and opportunities scarce
But courageous they were to make a new start
In a foreign country that claimed it cared
 Some West Indian soldiers who fought in the warWho now found themselves without any hope
Saw a new opportunity to come to these shores
Where life would be easier and better to cope
Plumbers, tradesmen, hard workers one and all
Torn from their families through heartache and strife
Answering the newspaper advert that called
From the motherland, beckoning a better life
24 of May, the day they departed
Tears of sadness, mixed blessings would flow
Fathers, children, mothers, down-hearted
Praying for the day they would all return home
Some had just married and others so young
But all with a glint in their eyes so bright
‘We will be back, when our job is done’
But alas, for some, that was their last sight
I look to my son and I cry at the thought
Of having to leave for such a long time
But souls who travelled with purpose and hope
Had to leave family for a better life
22 of June, a day marked in history
The start of new life for these pioneers
Our dreams, our life, all we could be
Began with these travellers of early years
Audacious they were, these West Indian pioneers
Not the first to make the journey to England
But the numbers that travelled in the coming years
Changed our history, truly significant
Give thanks and respect for all brave and true
Who made the decision to leave there homeland
Not an easy time but, they all had to choose
Respect I say, to those early West Indians
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MY ROOTS
A Poem by Jacinth Francis
I can’t forget my roots
My roots keep me strong
My roots keep me holding on
My roots prevent me from getting thin
My roots is where my life begins
My roots is my identity
My roots is what’s keeping me
My roots are never dry
My roots is my reason why
My roots can never be washed away
My roots is always here to stay
My roots is not meant to be comb
My roots tell me I’ve found my home
My roots is where I belong
My roots help me identify what’s wrong
My roots is my only weapon
My roots keep me holding on
My roots keep me growing
Without me even knowing
My roots is what’s in my heart
My roots is no poison dart
My roots let me say what I mean
My roots let me mean what I say
My roots keep growing strong
And I admire what it is showing
My roots give me strength
So I am no longer bent
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