Where Did You Go, Dad?

Where did you go, Dad? I looked for you

Throughout Kilburn High Road and Shoot-Up Hill.

Did I bite the dust? Ha, no, but I bit a bullet or two.

Oh, look, blood! I did not notice it spill.

I could have died, Dad. Did I not tell you?

He told me, “Don't run, don't run,” but I did.

I remember his machete, how it shone white and blue,

Moonlit in midnight, in the shrubs, I hid.

Inner demons, you know they lie

As you do not whisper the truth.

Are you proud of me? I picked up a notebook, not a knife.

Oh, yeah, Dad, do you remember this moment from my youth?

Mum braided your hair, then she braided mine,

Then you shaved yours off and, like Father, like Son, I shaved mine.