Our History is All Around by Maggie McPhee

 MECOPP Gypsy/Traveller Carers Project

Our History is All Around

by Maggie McPhee

Our history is all around you
you just need to know where to look.

If you close your eyes while listening to the crackling of a campfire
you will hear our voices from long ago
softly telling stories of fairies and water kelpies
of the ghosts that haunt the forest
for we were there.

When you are walking on the shore
see how the waves rise and gently fall onto the rocks
Those same waves washed up the whelks
that we gathered every year
for we were there.

Those beautiful wooden flowers
with the bright pastel colours
that brightened up your granny’s kitchen
were created by our hands
for we were there.

Our history came from hard working men and women.
Men who fought in two world wars.
Women that were strong, independent,
striving towards a better life for their families.

Our history spreads out across the country
in every town you will find it
if you just know where to look
for we are still here.