For The Romany People Poem by Janice Walkden

We may be settled, or 'on the road'
trying to live our lives in peace
But so many times we face oppression
and we wish hostility would cease.

We are all tarred with the same brush
when someone is to blame
we may not have done anything wrong
yet we get blamed all the same.

Our lifestyle is a little different
but still we pay our way
Our rights are supposed to matter
but do we really have a say?

We are just ordinary families
human beings just like you
but the way we get treated sometimes
then again - its nothing new

The barricades stand and the signs go up
'No gypsies or travellers here'
move along now we don't want you
leave now - just disappear.

If you only knew what you are doing
what you are putting families through
Maybe you'd be more accepting
We hope you'll change your view