I decided to seek my DNA and find out where I come from.
Through family chats and some letters from my mother’s aunt who, at a young age, went to live in Australia on the advice of her doctor, I realise that elements of a true family tree will never be available.
On my maternal side, my great, great, grandmother was an illegitimate child with an unknown father. On my mother’s paternal side, my great, great grandmother was a foundling wrapped in a blanket on a small mound of stones, at the side of the road, and found by a road sweeper. He and his wife took her in and gave her a Welsh name for recognition. They called her Winifred ‘blessed reconciliation’. Who were her birth parents?
It wasn’t surprising to learn that my DNA indicates a major Welsh element with a small European contribution, relating to those who invaded Britain many years ago leaving their mark. We British are not pure. We are of mixed race.
Sadly, there are misguided folks amongst us who think otherwise.
It is not so long ago that our forefathers went in search of ill-gotten gains, taking over plantations, creating slaves, transporting some far and wide, and sowing seeds not on the earth but generating males and females whose DNA will reveal the influence of our British forefathers on their African heritage.
BOOK SIX in my series POEMS BY AN OLD CODGER contains two poems about the influences my own genetic code and one on DEI*.
I have added one of the poems below to my blogs, drawing the past with the present. We have an obligation, a duty, a healing of wounds and painful memories.
*Diversity, Equality, Inclusion.
……………..
THE SINS OF THE FATHERS *
Reflecting on my life and 20th Century living,
With periods of war and of mass killing.
Commenting on the life of our modern community,
I see confusion, a change of pace and of identity.
The actions of our forefathers are plain to see,
In Caribbean lands across the furthest sea.
On plantations of coffee and of tea,
Acquired by gun, abuse, and slavery.
It’s left a mark, an ugly stain
For generations carrying their hurt and pain.
Their world was segregated by class and means,
Those who had full stomachs, those on beans.
We are faced with recognition of our obligation,
To give consideration for some reparation.
Confronted with the sins of our fathers,
Let’s work together with our offspring
immigrant partners.
Those so ignorant who think they are pure,
Should check their DNA percentage score.
We are a nation of mixed European blood,
Invaded with intent of doing no good.
So, lets develop this multi-cultural race,
With a soul, a heart, a future international place.
Seeking a life of achievement and leisure,
To work, to sing, to pray, in equal measure.
*Exodus 20:5
Copyright 2024 Neil Davies
Let him who is without sin,
Cast the first stone.
John 8:7
I hope this poem offers you food for thought and prompts you all to support my charity THE BRITISH RED CROSS UKRAINE APPEAL by buying copies of my books POEMS BY AN OLD CODGER.
Thank you,
Stay safe,
Neil.