‘This is how’ (Poem)

Summary

This is how we refuse to remain

citizens of a heartless country,

children of wicked forebears,

parents whose only care is loot

and perpetual power; products of

a recycle system configured like

marriage vows; till death do us part.

This is how we undo the socialisation

of silence, and reject the rot,

when enough is enough, we become

stupid in the eyes of others,

we stride into death's grip,

if only to make our voices heard,

demand change.

On our knees.

This is how we process the bloodshed.

Weak, as rulers bare fangs,

get high on priceless champagne,

their glasses spun from

the skulls of our young ones.

#EndBadGovernance #EndSARS

Unfazed through the chaos,

this is how we attempt to pull back Motherland

from the claws of our oppressors;

one-time youth who tasted power,

then chose retrogression over development,

chose to squeeze the nation

of her last juices.

This is how we march

through ruins of failed state,

armed with a cupful of tears,

two cups strategy,

two cups focus, and resilience;

determined to succeed, in honour

of those slain at the dawn of our awakening.

Lekki,

Alausa,

Ogbomosho,

Enugu…

Ozoemena!

This is how we look one another in the eye

and declare: Never Again!

#EndSARS

#EndPoliceBrutality

#EndBadGovernance