on an afternoon train from purleu to victoria 1955 | berry

“Hello, she said, and startled me” / “Nice day, Nice day I agreed” / “I was thoughtful”

Shows awkward, polite small talk and emotional restraint, suggesting social distance and the speaker’s quiet nature.

“I am a Quaker she said” / “to speak a poem loudly” / “for racial brotherhood”

Presents the woman as morally driven and courageous, using poetry as a peaceful protest for racial equality.

“Inexplicably I saw” / “empty city streets lit dimly” / “Alongside in darkness”

Creates imagery of isolation and displacement, reflecting the migrant experience in Britain.

“was my father’s big banana field”

Symbolises home, heritage, warmth, and a strong sense of belonging to Jamaica.

“Where are you from?” / “Jamaica I said”

Highlights identity through direct dialogue, showing pride but also difference.

“What part of Africa is Jamaica?” / “Where Ireland is near Lapland I said”

Exposes ignorance and stereotyping, while the speaker reclaims power through sarcasm.

“Hard to see why you leave” / “such sunny country she said”

Shows superficial understanding of migration, reducing Jamaica to stereotypes.

“Snow falls elsewhere I said”

Suggests emotional distance, longing, and the reality of migration beyond appearances.

“So sincere she was beautiful”

Acknowledges genuine kindness despite ignorance, ending on hope and human connection.