Unprepared
Even when our fathers were not there
They penned the edicts on their behalf
And decreed how the people should live
So, like sheep we followed their lead
Hoping for fields of lush pasture
Full of dreams where honey drips
Noble lies told on the eve of liberation
From the strangers’ imperialism did not last
We, the people, were unprepared for
The freedom obtained without sword
Though children waved flags with smiles
And the bards sang songs of redemption
Deep within, we were not prepared
Unlike the neighbours whose blood was shed
In the quest to fend off manacles
We scrambled for the remnants
Left behind by the sojourners
And never learnt how to cook the broth
The statute was blemished from the beginning
Doling out unequal laws to the people
Ascribing to each tribe its own destiny
Though we never cease to journey
Ours has been that of cyclical progress
From where the stranger left us
Because we were unprepared
Though ingredients rut in the storehouse
Weary hearts roam the streets united in hunger
But their anger is not fiery enough to melt
The adhesive that binds together
Inheritors of the power
We are tired of the untruths that themselves
Have reached the age of retirement
But we are unprepared to chart that path
Copyright © Olalekan Ajayi | Year Posted 2020
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment