Cadent Histories: Jade Lester

By Jade Mona Lester

Listen to the poem

So, where are you from Jade?

A question I am asked from day to day. 

Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham, is what I usually say. 

To be honest, I thought my accent was a dead giveaway!

No, I mean where are you REALLY from?

The question that invariably comes next. 

Really? I sigh, recognising the subtext:

They’ve seen my brown skin 

and want to put me in context 

But don’t know how to ask 

without becoming perplexed.

I’m from England I respond, with a bit of a grin.

If this is a game, I’m determined to win!

Sorry, I mean, where’s your FAMILY from?

They implore once again 

Well, that story’s quite long,

Take a seat, I’ll explain...

I tell them that we’re British,

And from a lot of different places,

Our eclectic heritage reflected

in the smiles across our faces:

The Caribbean, Ireland, Cyprus, Korea, 

and of course, the UK.

You know most of us were born Here,

and not thousands of miles away. 

We’re black, white, brown, and every shade in between. 

The most spectacular spectrum of family, that’s ever been seen. 

Yes, yes, but where are YOU from, Jade?

My word, they’re relentless!

You’d think their life depended 

on whatever I said next! 

I don’t mean to be a bore, 

but I’ve answered this question twice before.

Yet they still want more!

So, let me settle the score

Once and for all...

My parents met at school

and had children quite young,

Back when interracial dating

was considered as “wrong”. 

So, I’m Jamaican, I’m English, 

I’m White and I’m Black. 

I embody multiple ethnicities 

and I’m very proud of that. 

I love the colour of my skin and all it signifies:

Two fingers up to racists, bigots, and their lies! 

I am the living proof 

of what can be achieved

When people stand up 

for what they believe. 

So, what’s the problem with the question?

Some people will wonder

Why does it cause so much tension?

Some others will ponder...

If truth be told, it’s the way that it’s phrased 

and the underlying prejudice that it conveys:

It implies I’m not from “Here”

and I’m some kind of “Other.”

Just because my complexion shows 

I have a Jamaican mother.

Doesn’t mean I can’t REALLY

call England my home,

Or that the Birmingham streets I grew up on

are not my OWN. 

So, if you want to know my background,

can I make a suggestion? 

Share YOUR history first, 

then ask a much better question;

Ask me about my HERITAGE 

and say something nice. 

I’m a sucker for a compliment, 

you won’t need to ask me twice!