M A R Y, M A R Y C O N T R O V E R S Y

Of this lady - I give a brief history
Her services - the Empire - denied by mystery

Her true date is vague and scant
Born 1805 - as Mary Jane Grant
At a time when slavery still persisted
Born - when restricted freedom existed
Her name by colour, there to show
Being of a white father - they called her mulatto

Her mother too, she nursed and cared
Then with her daughter this knowledge she shared
Before England, so many in her day
Nursing ill soldiers - back in JA

So desperate to help in the war
Travelled to England October 185-4
From office to office - her services volunteering
Being Mulatto means replies are un-discerning

Bold and proud - travelling 3000 miles
Paid her own way, a face still full of smiles
Based 2 miles from Bala-clava
Troops, converging on each like la-va
To families it was a Godsend
As abruptly the war it did end

Mary, she returned all alone and poor
To receive only bankruptcy - at her door
Not to be forsaken, those written lines
Sir William Russell of the Times

Rallying, again in battle, again in war
Captain Keane, Lord Rokerby, inspired by awe
To her aid, telling the Empire what they saw
Why should we ask of this lady anything more

Mary Jane Seacole
God blessed her soul

Her name not to be forgot by any one
Died 14 th May 18-81

Here yesterday, today, tomorrow, your never gone
As in this house your name lives on.


Copyright © Black Out Productions | Patrick Graham
October 2005