Read Time:1 Minute, 33 Second
CHILDREN OF MELANIN
In your palm they yoke a heavy cross of sin – Committed by their ancestors To shorten your flowery radiance like flax. How they bid you worship elder bums Who laid no foundation for a nation Handed over to you like an abomination. Upon this land they close your eyes tight While their seeds flee abroad in chartered flight You shall not seek your ancestors in muse But plead Adamic ancestors for clues. Elders said this land, your plat, has been cursed. First word you learnt “Papa” – he’s always busy Second word “Mama” – she’s always hungry. Same eyes that governed your father’s father Governs you still. Do call him Big Brother: He knows all your hidden secrets.
ROAD TO SOLDIER
My friend never returned my boot He borrowed on his way to soldier He returned in a box wearing another Another returned from soldier where At pointed end of barrel, he changed His name from Peter and learned the Tongues of rebels before trading Bullets. Hunger pushed another to soldier And he returned fed with bullets That left him never hungry. Men need to live under another roof That is not their fathers', After the edges of certificates begin To fold, and dust coats the NYSC khaki. To soldier is to kiss friends and foe A bye, and walk on razor edges of luck. Whichever road that leads us to soldier For a land thirsty for green leaves Makes a hero of us that never gave Up on our fatherland.
OWOLUSI LUCKY is a Nigerian poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writer. He has works published or forthcoming in Noctivagant Press, Crosscurrent, America Diversity Report, Afrorep, Decolonial Passage, Zoeticpress, Hallowzine, Scars publication, Sweety Cat Press, Macromicrocosm, Dietmilkmag, Collegevilleinstitute, Overtly Lit, and others. He shares his thoughts at AFRICANMIGHTY.ART.BLOG and tweets at: @mighty_scribe.
