For Benjamin Zephaniah
by Louise Khon
I was watching a television program,
About poets of whom I had heard,
Byron, Keats, Shelly and Zephaniah,
All competing with rhythmic word.
The program awoke my senses,
I began writing straight away,
Inspiration from all side abounded
Byron, Zephaniah, Keats and Shelly.
And later, after reading my work,
To friends in my happy school,
I heard you were coming to visit,
And I danced all around like a fool.
But suddenly something struck me,
I was all too horribly aware,
I was going to be away on that wonderful day,
The day that you would be there.
So I sit in my classroom and write,
I write this to Benjamin Z,
Even though I'll not get to meet you,
Your words will sing through my head.
Maybe you'll want to come back,
And meet your number one fan,
I hope that my friends treat you kindly,
As only true poets can.
