My Wall Poem by paul barnacle

MY WALL


Today’s tears, yesterday’s fears, tomorrow dreams.

I know the place, shared its shame,

I have faced my wall.

Hit it, head on, over and over and over.

Screamed, howled, bit, punched and clawed at it,

Now its bloody graffiti stands as my memorial.

I’d have it no other way, It says yes I am tall and I am still here.

It says F. YOU!

Every word is etched in my spit, my tears and my blood,

I am proud to up against it.

Painted in my colours, it shines.

New images swim within it, exquisite patterns of passion and revenge.

Honesty and clarity to stand for millennia.

As a tribute to me, and those like me,

My wall was hard built and hard won.

I dedicate it to every man and woman, who has been dragged down,

Thrashed in the mud and pissed on by the world but fought back.

My wall is strong, it will never fall.

I am proud of it.