Frederick Banda Poems

I hurt a loved one today
Because of my own pain
My head buried in shame
My shell no defensive shield
...

I in the shadows,
witness to all the atrocities,
unwilling accomplice to these hellish scenes
unwittingly acting in crimes of shameful greed,
...

Oh struggles of old
Our heroes and ancestors
Fought and toiled for Liberty
It pains that age has but revealed
...

A taste of heavenly bliss
A touch by angel hands
A scent so sweet it breaths
A joy from deep within
...

It is mine. Yes, it was I, who stole our tribal crown.
I wrestled it from the tribal council's hands.
The militants that I have paid make my tribesmen pay a ransom for my all pains.
I will wear my tribal crown as long as I can afford to pay, the militants their daily wage.
...