The Crying Mother

An Independence Day Poem written by John Sorie Conteh I am Mama Salone, the crying mother! A mother to millions of children. I am a freedom fighter who fought for the freedom of my siblings and home: 3 scores and 1 year ago, I and my senior kids fought against the English strangers for freedom; We shed tears and many types of blood were lost, but we never lost. I'm now 61 years independent but I am not absolute independent. Today is a remarkable day that is worth commemorating, But I am not happy, and why should I be happy? This day needs to be celebrated, but why did I need to celebrate it? When my efforts have sunk into the ocean; I regret giving birth to some of these disobedient children When I look at the Lion Mountain, I remain the crying mother! I am a one-year-old retired woman, I can no longer fend for myself and my vulnerable children. So I only rely on those I made landlords look after their sisters and brothers, But since I placed them there, they have become dishonest. They only care for themselves and their tribesmen When I think of the needy, I remain the crying mother! I am disappointed with these selfish offspring, They adapted the greedy man's culture Corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and regionalism are part of their attitudes. They make fortune from the needy to enrich themselves They are living in luxury while their companions are living in poverty. My tears will never dry, I remain the crying mother!