“He, and She, and They” by Steven Chabot

He, and She, and They

No one could miss the warning cry, announcing soon, the storm would arrive She had to rush, a shelter to find, but black-out rules to vision aren’t kind Tripped and fell, cutting the knee, crying in pain, then entered He He stooped and offered Her a hand; He helped Her once again to stand He brushed Her off and checked Her knee, then led Her off through the debris He tried to calm Her screams and fears when the bombs first pierced their ears They huddled in a dark stairwell and there they’d stay till all was well He walked Her home when it was done; She held his hand; Her heart was won They talked for hours as They strolled, through city streets, and this was bold See, He was black, and She was white, to be together would be a fight Not the war that they were in, but one for the hearts of His countrymen This was London 1942, but in America, not what a black man should do He brought Her right up to Her door; He asked Her if He would see Her more She answered Him, did not hesitate; She told him that She would be His date They spent time together, like any pair would, for weeks and months, things were so good For two weeks She, not feeling Her best, went to the doctor to take some tests The doctor said it was easy to see, soon He and She would become three She waited for Him out near the base, and when He came out, She kissed His face She told Him I’ve some news for you, soon we will no longer be two He told Her there was one thing to do; I’ll get permission to marry you Though He tried He could not get, the blessing of his government Insult to injury soon would He, be transferred far away from She Fueled by hate they broke your hearts, like Romeo and Juliet, forced apart She’d carry you, “child of shame”, knowing that you, were not to blame The love She felt for Him still grew, She carried it inside with you Born to a world not ready for you, “half-caste” child, please don’t be blue Conceived in love, parted by hate, someday you’ll learn to celebrate The love that They both shared made You.