A POEM IN FOUR PARTS

Inspired by the four days of the Global Atlantic Fellows Convening- 11 to 14 July 2024
-By Dr Clive Tan (Singapore, 2022)

Privilege

Which side of the river are you on
when it comes to privilege?
What do you recall? Is it your 
ancestors and heritage?
Or spilled blood and carnage?

But here you are, in Oxford
All its splendour and comfort
History of colonization of nations
exploitation and exclusion of generations
You’ve got my attention – so what’s your intention?

What are you going to change
Now that you have the chance
Do you know what you stand for, do you have the tools
What will you do
with your privilege?

Let’s Weave

Let’s weave those threads of connect
that will make us stronger together
Do you feel like we now have a compact
but do you really think it will weather
the sands of time
or when another pandemic chime

If there’s something I can say with certainty
that is bad things will always happen
lost in the valley, hungry in the alley
who cares about your potential, you are not special
You’re writing your story but what can you see
Look up, you’re not alone in your journey

Hello! I’m an Atlantic Fellow
Following the erratic, enigmatic Feeney way
of giving while living and constantly dreaming
understanding politik, striving to be pragmatic
We are now threaded and woven
Strong men and women
and LGBTQ
we are stronger, because of you

The Gift
By the Gift of Chuck Feeney’s legacy
we are writing the story of a new family
Let’s confess, the world is a mess
There are wars, brothers inflicting conflict
So where do we start, what says your heart?

So much inequity, your shoulders are heavy
sins of the past that need repair
you cannot uncast because you care
you feel     and that’s important for you to heal
the burden of colour,     you have made that your power

The oppression is unsightly and I don’t need your charity
Anger in your blood, emotions flood
pain in your gut, but your heart
     you need to hold tightly, hold lightly
but you recall lands trampled, hearts crumpled

Not to simple, but how to stay nimble 
for a fight that requires all your might
and mine…   and so much sacrifice
What would you give to forgive?    Your eyes
they weep,    with the pain you keep

Shine Forth
Come together now, draw close
We are nearing the end
of this chapter
on our way to become better
Burn bright, you are all stars
hold tight, it’s just the start

Heart to heart, feel the connection
You’re all threaded now in this graduation
from lands besieged to Oxford’s high walls
knocking on closed doors until you hit the floor
But you can’t block the luminosity from this community
Stars in transformation, forming constellations

Hear the silence and feel the tenderness
of the person beside you – gentleness
of friendships and fellowships
a lifelong song of repair and care
Lean into us, your circle of trust
Stars shine the brightest where it is the darkest