The Tale of Acceptance - a Poem by Lily Peach Elliot

The perils of tipping the balance 

Between choosing mum or dad 

While you strive to be like everyone else 

That’s a privilege I’ve not had. 

Told to cover a part of myself that brings me pride 

Wouldn’t you be mad too? 

But go ahead and keep saying those slurs 

And tell me how the voiceless one is really you 

Please go on and say that “they” have taken over 

And how Britain is no longer great 

Talking to a group of people 

When I’m unknowingly there as one of those you so hate 

Educate me on how you’re an ally 

But persist our country is disappearing 

While I prepare to rid myself of the toxins you spout 

When you think only white ears are hearing 

Though some people are plain bigoted 

I will forever remain insisting 

It’s not being “too radical” 

If the venom you preach threatens my existing 

My own narrative belongs to you 

So now I’m regaining back control 

For I am not a “mongrel” or “half-caste” or “rare” 

Simply – I am whole 

I will no longer be spoken over 

Or made to settle down 

So accept my sincerest apologies, 

But I am unapologetically brown.