The Outcast
I heard their call in the far land
But I will not respond
Their deeds I will not look at before rising
Their accusations and murmurs however whack me in the face
And my tears become unstoppable
Is it my fault that I know not my father?
A first son born into a royal home
But today I walk among our people as an outcast
I am a stranger
With no father’s blessing or a mother’s love
Is it my fault I come by night?
To the home of my father
I come by night because I am ashamed
Ashamed because I am disowned
Disowned because I am despised
Despised because I am abused
It is not my fault I know not my mother’s prime mate
When I walk among our people I am teased
Teased because I have no father’s blessing
They toot all day, enquiring
‘’But where is his father?’’
Answers always arrive at my door post
‘’My father is dead and left me with no blessings’’
But I know he lives somewhere in the next village
Papa, come and shower your blessings on me
As a child is born and loved
Papa, come and kiss me
As a child is accepted by his own people
For in your absence
I was humiliated, lacerated and castigated by your own people
How many sleepless night I have encountered
When they say there goes the outcast
But papa, come and shower your blessings on me
As a child is born and loved
Papa, come and kiss me
As a child is accepted by his own people
For I am your child and a son of this village
When the ceremony has come
For the sons to recount their father’s achievement
And pride themselves with their father’s glories
Tears filled my eyes
For my face drenched in pool of tears
And my mind enquire
‘’Where is your father’s glory’’
And how should I know
I am an out cast
Hated and despised by his own people
Like a stranger
Like an uninvited guest
Papa, come and wipe the tears on my face
For your arm is all I crave for.
Nii- Ayi Solomon
Copyright © Nii-Ayi Solomon | Year Posted 2012
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