(Inspired by the pointless killings of young men of African, African American and 
Caribbean heritage.)

Janel was a clever lad; he read 
intellectual books and joked about. 

Danny was the silly one; he smoked his 
weed and boasted about guns. 

Janel was the quiet one. 

Danny got his kicks by carrying guns. 

Janel was the witty one. 

Danny boasted that he ruled a gang. 

One day Janel walked down the street and by accident stepped on Danny’s feet. 

Danny tried to block Janel’s way – it didn’t seem like a pleasant day. 

Janel said “Sorry”, in a very polite way. 

Danny being ignorant didn’t want to hear what Janel had to say. 

Danny was high and willing to fight. 

Janel carried on walking, doing what he 
thought was right. 

Danny took out a gun then told Janel to 
pray and angrily shouted out,
“I’ll make sure you won’t live to see 
another day”. 

Janel knew that this was not right,
in slavery our people died 
putting up a fight.  

“Black brother, you can’t take a life!” 

“I won’t die by a gun nor by a knife.”

Danny was distressed by what Janel 
had said. 

The words of our people’s struggles
penetrated his head. 

So Danny cried and dropped the gun. 

“Don’t worry my brother,” said Janel. 

“Your life has just begun.” 

 

(June 1996)