Poem: What if
What if
you were promised the world
in exchange for your hope?
for just another term,
for just one more vote
But
they never acknowledged
their debt for your faith,
the sacrifice of those who freed them,
and the martyrs that brought them fame
What if
you watched your babies die
in your slum made of tin
while promise upon promise
began to wear thin?
Would you
take what’s yours?
what is owed?
or listen to their lies
for just… one… more… vote
Is it time
for things to change?
if not Them, then us
we’ll take a stand –
enough is enough
They must know
that actions speak louder than words
empty promises will no longer suffice
for once in their lives they should
make a pledge to do. what’s. right.
Or we will fight
we will fight them in their castles
in their courts and in their hearts
They’ll not win another cross
‘til They’ve restored what was lost
We’ll take it back
our children will live in freedom
our leaders will learn humility
we will restore what They have stolen
our dreams. our hope. our liberty
We are Africa, Stand with me
We are Africa, Dance with me
(C) C Warneke 2015