My
first public performance of this poem was at an Auckland University
writer's meeting as a member of PEN. My heart at that time had begun to
give me trouble and I was nervous wondering what kind of reception my
poetry item might receive. I should have given myself a moment or two to
explain that I was new to writing, but I didn't; so in that atmosphere,
appearing before 'recognised New Zealand writers' I read my poem.
Needless to say I was grateful and a little surprised that the response
was warm and with applause and smiles all round.
*
I dare to stand and speak forth what I have written here,
that which from my innermost being I have felt,
which like a spring from deepest earth has risen,
things which are dear to me or move me much, my friend.
*
Watching, you see only the outwardness of this, my being;
enquire, and you’ll learn the facts describing me;
listen, and you will find I have similar aspirations,
the secret inner things you deeply feel, I feel them too.
*
Just as within your breast your heartbeat tells you,
you are a living, breathing and thinking thing;
just as your mind confirms that you are existing,
with feelings human and warmly intimate, my friend.
*
Just as you see the beauty in a rose bud,
admire the soaring flight of bird on wing;
just as you love or hate some things around you,
so do I too, sharing humanity with you, my friend.
*
Why then, whatever sign I’m born with,
whether I be Christian, Jew, Buddhist or what else,
why think that I must be shunned because I’m different,
why does so much of what I am offend you, friend?
*
My life, like yours, was given with no explanation;
I come with no agenda to kill, maim or destroy.
Like you, I was not consulted as to my colour, creed or nation,
only when born, like you, do I discover who and what I am.
*
Since then so much from us is hidden,
through a glass darkly as the way we see;
let’s journey through this life together,
learn to enjoy the richness each one brings.
*
Dennis Crompton © 1996
(first published www.denniscrompton.wordpress.com 2013)
