Page 60 - Everyone a Writer Anthology 2021

Bed of Privilege

I lay, in the velvet bed, that is my privilege,
I have been here, resting for all my life,
Today I opened my eyes for the first time.

Blinded by the darkness, their screams echoed through my mind.
I saw people, being dragged into the mouth of reality.
Curling up in a ball, I thought I was too innocent to have just witnessed such a thing,
But the ones screaming felt pure too?

Harsh and violent, unjust and groundless,
Bodies slain around me, but I had no need for my fear,
As although I was restless, my velvet bed still had barriers.

Head sweaty, heart heavy, eyes droopy,
I felt a deep surge of discomfort; why don’t I just go back to sleep?
This isn’t my fight. This wasn’t my problem.

But it was, discrimination is everyone’s problem.
Now is the time to uplift black, lower class, disabled and Asian voices.
Use your privilege for good.
Let’s get uncomfortable.

Evie Harpham, Y9
Meadowhead

People shouldn’t get hurt for the colour of their skin.
Neither get told that who they love is a sin.
People should all be treated as equal.
Lives are real, not books with sequels.
If we want something to change we must stand
We should educate ourselves more so we can all understand
Why should people be denied peace?
Being who you are shouldn't involve the police.
If we try our best to make things fair.
All we need to do is show we care.

Libby Simmonds, Y9
Meadowhead

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