Creative

Poem: ‘Mixed-Race Superhero’ by Elijah Macbean

0 655

By Elijah Macbean


I am the British chicken tikka masala,

The Pakistani fish and chips.

David Tennant in a kufi.

Imran Khan in a kilt.

I’m a James Saddique,

A Muhammad Smith.

Watching Hollywood on Eid,

Bollywood on Christmas.

I’m bridging the gap,

Blurring the lines.

Existing as a protest,

I’m in the middle of the picket being pulled at both sides,

Refusing to move.

Refusing to pick sides.

It’s not Jekyll and Hyde,

It’s Adam and Ibrahim. 

I’m Elijah from the Bible,

I’m Elijah from the Qu’ran.

I get on the bus when they tell me to go home,

No airport security necessary.

I’m the olive coloured olive branch,

An open-faced kid.

With two cultures on my back,

Fighting for my preference,

A love triangle.

I’m polyamorous in this regard,

Practising disregard

for your mono.

I’m a protest vote,

The gentrification and immigration.

Sarfaraz Ahmed with three lions on his shirt.

Wayne Rooney in a shalwar kameez.

Tommy Robinson’s nightmare,

Sadiq Khan’s dream.

I am multiculturalism.

I am both.

I am neither.

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Lights Up cycling film to premiere at The Savoy for International Women’s Day

    Featured image: Isabelle Dargue A powerful new film documenting Manchester’s Lights Up movement will premiere at The Savoy Cinema on 9 March as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Lights Up is a free, community-led event organised by Bee Pedal Ready and Station South in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, We Are Cycling UK, MCRActive,…

  • Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow to play free DJ set in Chorlton

    Featured image: David Lindsay Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow will return to the decks for a special guest vinyl DJ set at The Garden Bar in Chorlton later this month. Chow, known for his distinctive geometric minimalist portraits of figures from Manchester and wider pop culture, is returning to his roots with an exclusive free DJ…

  • A Mural for Mani – Manchester music legend to be immortalised with mural in his hometown

    Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…

  • London Fashion Week A/W 2026: The new designers shaping tomorrow

    Featured image: Evie Peattie  Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…