For Azaan Khan
An innocent life shattered like glass:
handlebar dreams once pure and bright.
United we stand at the Berkley impasse
because of a drunken monster of gas.
Threats of lightning would have saved a life
– an innocent life – shattered like glass.
Azaan Khan, his smile forever will last
in the Hearland’s; he rests way before his time.
United we stand at the Berkley impasse
on Coventry Road. By a driver so crass.
His pre-teen life stolen on a school night
– an innocent life – shattered like glass.
Of toxic fumes, a society can’t act
in a way that is safe and roads can be kind.
United we stand at the Berkley impasse
to protest this grotesque foresighted forecast1
We in Yardley yearn for safety so we do not find
an innocent life shattered like glass.
“Kill your speed” “Slow down” You’re way too fast!
We can’t keep the roads safe with just pairs of eyes
An innocent life shattered like glass:
united we stand at the Berkley impasse.
About the Poem
I wrote this poem as a heartfelt response to the tragic loss of a young cyclist in Birmingham, UK. I felt compelled to honour the life of Azaan Khan and provide solace to the grieving community as I recognize the power of art to transcend pain. I love using poetry as a medium to express deep collective emotions felt by a community wider than my own personal experiences. I was inspired by Azaan Khan’s story to offer a sense of connection amidst grief as well as to show solidarity and respect for the systemic issue of dangerous cars in Birmingham.
About the Author
Ruben Whitter is a poet from Nottingham, United Kingdom who happens to be of the global majority. Whitter’s spiritually-guided pursuit of the literary arts is exemplified through championing victory, inner strength, and resplendence inspired by lived experiences of survival, namely: childhood trauma, domestic abuse, and homelessness. This journey can be read in part in Whitter’s debut chapbook “Chappy” which was released through Whittword Publications in the Autumn of 2022.