Born Free

Born Free

When first I watched the film Born Free

at the cinema

I did not think of Africa

But down my way Tufter Road

Where squabbling folks acted like

Chimpanzees at a tea party

And Snakes shuddered in the kerb

at a shinning new car

I did not know the sun rose over

a holistic sunrise

I did not think Africa was anywhere

certain

I watched Elsa the lioness and thought

my dog was more bad-tempered

I receieved no Black History lessons

at school

I was the only child attending of

different origins

Perhaps they were fooled in thinking

I was white

I now think of Africa

With its vibrant colours

And oceanic cities

And lions kissing like customers

at a brothel

I now go where Elsa left me lonely

Looking back my heritage is Born Free

Where I first escaped