For the last 2 years, I have been experiencing a persistent and ongoing challenge with my local authority's refuse collection department. I have done everything I was asked to do to solve the situation. I provided all the appropriate paperwork, contacted all the relevant people, and ensured things were done by the book, from my end. I believe I have exhibited a great deal of patience. 2 years is a long time to be solving such a minor matter. Yet, for the last few months, almost every week I have had to phone,write or email the department concerning a persistent 'error of omission' regularly committed by the refuse collection crew.
Every time I do this, I get (1)an excuse (2) an apology and (3) a promise that things will be corrected and better next time. then, only to find the 'error' repeated the following week. I have even taken the request to the highest level of management, yet it still persists. So I began to wonder, whether this 'error' was infact quite deliberate. My mind began to run through memories of previous experiences I have had with public authorities and other institutions set up to serve the general public. Most are really quite supportive and offer great service to the public. However there have been these few niggling instances, of persistent difficulties running on longer than appropriate, hinting at being deliberate.... I suspect possibly even prejudicial. I am often very cautious with labeling people's actions negatively, as I am naturally inclined to give the benefit of the doubt, but I do sniff a whiff of racism, underneath some of these 'persisting errors'.
It's led me to write this poem called 'Invisible', so something good has come out of it for me. I might even send this poem to the manager of that department:-) Here it is.
Am I invisible to you
Or is there really someone here?
Are you programmed to ignore me
Or are you programmed not to care?
How come you cannot see me
Even though I'm bright as day
I stand here right before you
My heart and mind so clear
So why do you despise me
Why can't you just play fair?
I'm not here to cause you trouble
Or to be your enemy
I just want to have a life
That 's kind and just and free.
We all walk the same warm earth
We breathe the same fresh air
We drink the same cool water and
We all want are honest share.
Its not right for you to judge me
The life of someone you've unknown
Whilst you never take the trouble
To check information you've been shown
Are you programmed to ignore me
Or are you programmed not to care?
How come you cannot see me
Even though I'm bright as day
I stand here right before you
My heart and mind so clear
So why do you despise me
Why can't you just play fair?
I'm not here to cause you trouble
Or to be your enemy
I just want to have a life
That 's kind and just and free.
We all walk the same warm earth
We breathe the same fresh air
We drink the same cool water and
We all want are honest share.
Its not right for you to judge me
The life of someone you've unknown
Whilst you never take the trouble
To check information you've been shown
Its now time to let the sadness
And the ignorance be gone
To embrace the truth
And the ignorance be gone
To embrace the truth
That you and I are one
And one alone.Poetry by Rev. Bola A
(copyright: 10.9.10. - ARR)
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On a similar theme to my poem 'Invisible', is an inspiring video clip by the honorable African Shaman and Elder - Credo Mutwa. Check out these links:-
Before My Eyes....
Credo Mutwa -
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