Southsea schoolboy, 8, writes moving poem about racism which has been commended by Black Lives Matter

A YOUNG boy taking a stand against racism has written a thought-provoking poem which was commended by Black Lives Matter.
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Eight-year-old Thomas Roughan, from Southsea, has penned a moving piece of poetry about a friend from his old school who was bullied for being black.

Thomas, who now attends St John’s College in Southsea, wrote the poem for a Virgin Radio competition but was amazed to find out Black Lives Matter UK noticed his poem and wanted to feature it on their website.

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Passionate Thomas, who wrote the poem when he was seven, said: ‘I am so proud. I am proud because they saw my poem and wanted to share it with the world. So many people across the world have contacted them to say how moved they have been reading my poem and how proud they are of me, even though they don’t know me.

Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach.
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (081120-22)Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach.
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (081120-22)
Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (081120-22)

‘It is not nice to treat anyone differently because of the colour of their skin or what they look like. It’s wrong! We are all the same and we should always be kind and caring and have empathy for others.’

Mum Rekha was almost moved to tears when she first read the poem and thought it was based on a real incident, but Thomas’ writing just elaborated on memories of bullying and imagined the possible consequences.

Rekha said: ‘We are so very proud of Thomas not only to be recognised by such an influential movement as BLM but to be commended by them too.

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‘Receiving so many positive messages from people across the world that have been touched by his poem Ruby Red is extremely special.’

Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (081120-31)Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (081120-31)
Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (081120-31)

She added: ‘I think it’s important because he’s so young and for his mind to know it’s wrong, I think that teaches people when they read the poem. I think us as adults should listen to the voices of our children.’

Thomas’ next goal for his poem is to have it noticed by one of his heroes.

He said: ‘I am just hoping that Barack Obama will one day read it too because he is my idol. BLM said they will help getting it to him too which is very exciting for me.’

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Visit blacklivesmatter.uk/creative-ed/thomas-roughan to see what Black Lives Matter UK had to say about Thomas’ poem.

Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. He told the photographer that he wants to be a journalist when he grows up
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (081120-30)Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. He told the photographer that he wants to be a journalist when he grows up
Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (081120-30)
Thomas Roughan, 8, reads his poem called Ruby Red about racism which has been featured on the Black Lives Matter website. Pictured on Southsea beach. He told the photographer that he wants to be a journalist when he grows up Picture: Chris Moorhouse (081120-30)

Ruby Red

By Thomas Roughan

He was much taller than me

And always wore a white T-shirt

As white and brilliant as snow

It made him shine bright like a torch

It made his dark skin glisten like coal

They laughed and pointed at him

Every single day

He cried quietly like a mouse

Sniffling silently in corners

No one ever helped him

No one ever heard his voice

They said “Shh don’t complain”

They said “Shh get used to it”

When I played with my toys

He would stand staring like a hawk

I would say “You can play too”

And he would smile excitedly and ever so gratefully

He made me laugh with his jokes

He bought magic in our play

We laughed so hard one warm sunny day

That we both got hiccups and jumped like frogs much of that day

Then the awful day came

As I walked into the playground

He was surrounded by everyone

They pointed and laughed like every day

But today they pushed and poked

Today they hit and punched

He screamed and he cried

He begged them “please no”

But they laughed harder and louder

And then they hit him more and more

“Stop” I screamed

The words spilled out without me knowing

My legs began to run to him

I helped him up and stood by his side

Staring into a million angry faces like ugly personified

“Don’t touch him” someone shouted

“He’s dirty” said another

“You’ll have to have a bath now” said one

“He’s ugly” said the last

“Stop” I screamed again

“He’s my friend” said my voice

“And it’s you who are ugly”

“Your hearts are ugly inside”

I don’t remember anything after that

I woke up on the cold floor

We were still holding hands

Covered in red ruby blood

One was his and one was mine

Mine was “white” and his was “black”

Only it was the same ruby red

It was the same colour as mine.

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