R for Racism

identity, individuality 1 Minute 
R for Racism

How could anyone know about the wound? It was not visible when I smiled, 
neither was it perceptible when I winced. I kept it under my eyelids 
as I reacted to the shocking effect of the negative racist joke.
It stung like a giant jellyfish in the Pacific Ocean. 
It hurt, as it burnt. There’ll be nothing pacific 
about my ongoing follow-up. I’ll remain 
the professional you can talk to,	
but I’ll be minimalist.
Under the cover 
of a common 
institution, 
I’ll claim 
no further consent, but simply a sub-existence. 
You, talking on my behalf, and I, performing alongside you. 


R de Racisme

Comment savoir que j’étais blessée ? Une douleur grimaçante, invisible 
derrière mon sourire; avec discrétion elle resta  sous mes paupières 
quand je ressentis l’effet choquant de ta plaisanterie très raciste. 
Ça me piqua comme fait l’énorme méduse de l’Océan Pacifique
elle m’a fait mal et me causa une brûlure. Rien de pacifique 
ne sera démontrer en conséquence. Je resterai 
l’être professionnel à qui parler
mais en minimaliste
dessous les voiles
d’une institution 
en commun,
sans jamais 
donner mon approbation, vivant une simple existence en subordonnée. 
Toi tu parlerais pour moi; moi je donnerais du rendement à côté de toi

Published by Yayi-Australie

I am a French-born Australian linguist who loves writing about multicultural experiences. Taught English in Zambia and Papua New Guinea, gained a Doctorate with UPNG. In Western Australia I worked with migrants and Indigenous communities in Kalgoorlie and Roebourne. In charge of Amnesty International WA, then moved to Adelaide. Short-listed by The Human Rights Commission for the Literature NF Award for the anthology I edited with the Multicultural Writers Association of Australia, I later published my memoir. Volunteered with the Writers Centre, became active with PEN.

Published