Flashback to 1995 - (From an old activist)

Here I sit,
Friends and colleagues all around.
Immobile bus,
(Bemused driver)

Placards waving,
Chanted slogans
Red grille sports handcuffs,
(tethered Crips).

I die again,
(Not an adrenaline junkie).
Comradeship,
anticipation,
fear,
panic,
exhilaration!

Dampness,
Co2.
Lungs burn,
asthmatic cough!

Police arrive,
“Move along please!”
“OK”, I wheeze
but decide to stay!

Mixed reactions
as people alight,
"Bloody late!"
“Stick to the fight!

Police return,
“Move on or get arrested!”
Claustrophobia kicks in,
(thoughts of a police cell).

More chanting.
More banner waving
Moving onto the kerb
to fight another day!