Soweto, In My Memory

You claimed to bring true progress
And showed me this rusty machine
My culture you detest’
My religion you called sin

You said I worship'd my dead parents
Told me it was idolatry
You introduced your religion
And said it was good for me

You paid me a hireling's wage
To work my father's land
My sweat you wiped with princely rage
When all my strengths were spent

You taught me to despise my people
You and your sons alone were worthy and divine
You took away my gods, they were devils
And sat yourself on my shrines

Your culture was infinitely superior
I was taught to believe
But I knew you couldn’t be better
For causing so much pain and grief

*In the memory of those who suffered because they were born different.

Jack