A Legacy of Forgotten Feats
(The stage is dimly lit, with a single spotlight on the speaker, a wise and weary African leader. He stands, reflecting on his legacy)
My dear Africa, I rose like a lion, with Mandela's heart,
To guide you, to lead you, to a brighter start.
Forty years of vision, of sweat and of tears,
Progress flourished, like the Savannah's seeds, through all the years.
(He pauses, looking out at the audience)
But time passed, and power's grasp, it tightened its hold,
Like a serpent's clasp, it would not let go.
As we say, "A bird that flies off the Earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground".
Loved ones feared to let me go,
Blinded loyalty, oft bestowing, but at what cost?
(He takes a step forward, his voice growing stronger)
Opponents distorted truth, tarnishing light with venomous spite,
But I stood firm, like Kilimanjaro's peak, shining bright.
For "when two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets hurt".
From Cairo to Cape Town, my legacy shines,
A bridge between nations, a united shrine.
(He looks down, his voice filled with regret)
But now, my staying impairs, the gains once shared,
A leader's strength becomes a test, manifest in holding on.
As the wise ones say, "Knowledge is a garden, if it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it".
I molded Africa's progress, built young and old institutions,
Education, healthcare, a foundation laid, forever in store.
(He raises his eyes, his voice filled with determination)
Let history judge, accomplishments weighed,
Legacy may fade, but roots remain, progress made.
For "tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today".
I pray wisdom guides successors, building on my noble text,
May they find the strength to let go, to see legacy's true place.
(The spotlight fades, leaving the leader in darkness, lost in thought).
Copyright ©
Muhereza Rodgers Roger
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