The Girton Poetry Group

Not Averse

Envoy

(Of the over 6,000 languages spoken today, half are likely to become extinct in the next 50 years)

Oppression’s language does not understand,

For in the name of Mammon, you still bruise

Our dialect, sweet sister of our land.

The poor must grow their food amongst the sand

Whilst colonists enjoy resplendent views:

Oppression’s language does not understand.

You claim it “impedes progress” and is “bland,”

But, full of energy and youth, I choose

Our dialect, sweet sister of our land.

Our learning is denied at your command.

They are not mine, these words you make me use:

Oppression’s language does not understand.

Hear!  Our songs of love, our lives, our blood, and

My window on the world in all its hues:

Our dialect, sweet sister of our land.

When you dismiss my bitter words offhand,

Both you and I have everything to lose.

Oppression’s language does not understand

Our dialect, sweet sister of our land.