M Braimah Saaka Poet Free verse

Akande

On the day we leafed through
the glossy magazine pages
Scenes from Bar Beach in Lagos
I thought of you, Akande
Those who are about to die
criss crossed in sisal rope to
Oil drums lashed to stakes
Protesting, begging, praying
Finally the moment arrives
The Men of God step aside
The black hoods are hung
Cheers at the festival of death
The boom of a firing squad
bloodied men in a death slump
Robbers, bandits, coup makers
Gone now into magazine pages
Lawrence Anini - the Law
Ishola Oyenusi - the Doctor
Godogodo - the hefty one
But I don't see you, Akande
On a day such as this
I can only hope that long ago
You escaped the man's noose
Or the AK 47 whose sound 
can sometimes make a man cry

(C) mbsaaka/2020

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Susan Ashley March 22, 2020 at 8:41 PM M Braimah, your poem reaches the depths of my being with its intimate intensity of circumstances and emotions. The powerful drama of your last line is like a branding iron searing one's heart. Potent poetry! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan