DISCONNECT

I am lost
I don’t speak the language
of my grandmother
I’m cut off
from those who should be my brothers
robbed of
what was most important to my forefathers

I speak the language
Worship a God
Listen to the music
Adhere to the culture of another
A stranger, a traveller, a sailor

Without wanting to
I act like, talk like
Think like, this stranger
Not that it is he
I particularly admire…
It is just that
The only knowledge that I can acquire
Is the culture of this mad traveller.

James Adolwa 19/1/2002