I struggled for years deciding how to introduce, or even describe this little poem.

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I continued writing the “A GROUP OF HUMANS” series of Verses, which at the time I called “The Legendary Lines” concerning the plights, as I saw them, of Animals, and Humans, caused by other Humans. until I started using the title “VICTIM", as it applies to ALL LIVING THINGS.

 

I voiced the words as if it were the VICTIM them selves speaking. hopefully portraying the experience of the unfortunate individual or any one of many millions who were forced into this heinous trade. One thing for certain is, they won’t be the last.

 

You may have noticed, My series of poems attempt to give the Victims of so called Human’s, a voice. When they are animals. It’s a straight forward rant or protest. When the Victim is another Human, it’s not so simple.

 

I do try to impart humility, and of course incredulity, as each Person/Animal represented rightly deserves, and it’s my hope that these little poems keep the rest of us mindful of their experiences.

 

Sadly. Modern day counterparts of all the individual Humans, and Animals portrayed in my verses, are currently experiencing the same; and no doubt more suffering and indignities, somewhere in the world. Even if what is being done has been outlawed.

 

SLAVERY ABOLITION ACT 1807

I think Slavery is the most despicable vile thing one person can do to another. As we all know; it was carried out on an industrial scale, and went on for hundreds of years. Abolished by law almost 200 years ago in “England”. 

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However as with so many outlawed pursuits, it continued around the world, and somewhat embarrasingley for me as an English man It has to be said: because of the vast size of the British Empire it took many many more years to be totally irradiated.

 

WEST AFRICA SQUADRON

Conversely I can feel a certain pride as an English man, because of the monumental effort made by the English Navy at the time. Using its West Africa Squadron, between 1807-1860 at enormous cost to the nation, and huge loss of life to its crews. Many of whom were Africans. Resulting in 150,000 slaves being freed, 1500 ships captured, and the acts of enslavement being curtailed.

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This is a matter of historical fact, but dosen’t it make one think about the type of individuals involved in the acts of enslavement. They were professional criminals, maybe even pirates, and the reported losses suffered by English and African crews, says clearly they didn’t want to stop being slavers. 

 

All this from a country (England) which had its own social problems with poverty and lack of opportunities for ordinary people. As well as being at war with France. (Phew!)

 

MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2015

I reiterate, sadly Slavery in many forms still persists around the World. Emerging nations and Entrenched Cultures continue to pursue the practice in established, and modern forms. Now we even have the need for the Modern Slavery Act. That is appaling. No I really do think it's monstrously appaling. We stupidly believe the World has matured, and moved on. NO IT HASN’T!

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It really is quite abysmal. I hope my little poem serves as a reminder, of who was/could/might have been; "THE FIRST SLAVE”. Again I say: One thing for certain is, they won’t be the last.

 

Bob Richardson

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"Audio Poet

Weymouth England”

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VICTIM VERSES 1.

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Bibliography.  "West Africa Squadron” HISTORIC. UK

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