Twenty years ago, 
he is waiting for a bus,
'Cos twenty years ago 
he is simply one of us.
But just twenty years ago, 
he comes under attack,
Just 'cos twenty years ago, 
this teenager is black.

Twenty years ago, 
he runs for his life,
'Cos twenty years ago, 
racists stick him with a knife.
Twenty years ago, 
this firework is far too fleeting,
And so twenty years ago, 
his brave heart, it will stop beating.

But twenty years ago, 
when the officers arrive
Yes just twenty years ago, 
this young man is still alive!
But twenty years ago, 
no compassion is displayed,
When twenty years ago, 
none will administer first aid.

Twenty years ago, 
justice is not expected.
Twenty years ago, 
perpetrators are protected,
As twenty years ago, 
the system is unfair
And twenty years ago, 
it seems too many do not care.

Twenty years ago, 
we were right to doubt those wearing blue
And though this was twenty years ago, 
to this day, many still do.

So twenty years have passed, 
since he came under attack.
Yes twenty years have passed 
since he was killed for being black.
Twenty years have passed, 
since he waited for a bus.
And twenty years have passed 
since he was simply, one of us.

22.4.13

R.I.P. Stephen Lawrence
13.9.74-22.4.93