Response to Warsan Shire’s “Snow”

ALCHEMY

When fire meets water
It is expected that they produce;
Steam, smoke and a boiling point
I am all three embedded in one soul
What to do with that is left to you.
I have met men
who have never seen war
But they thrive in throwing their fists
Not on walls or sandbags
They go about seeking to punch
Kids, women and quiet men
They’ve never seen fire or a fight
Neither snow nor a flying bullet
They know not what it means to fight
If they do meet one, they’d cringe
And make use of their heel
Seeking covers and a hill to hide
Avoid them and allow me
I’ve seen war, blood and rage
And I’ve seen mother quell them all
For you, I’ll be a boiling point
Where peace and love can reside.

Victor Oyedele