Before I Die Poem by DICKSON MSETI

I never chose the life I lived; I never chose my name,
I never chose the face I had; in fact my outlook was never my choice,
I never chose what I became; I was the outcome of you and them,
I came like a white innocent paper, a black son of soil,
While you had supper that evening, I watched the sun fall,
While you had the wonderful breakfast, I was mourning with hunger,
You called daddy at home, I was a dad myself.

Shot me to death going underneath, six feet beneath
Ooh God put me in a rightful place which I believe is hell.
Before you chased me, and before you caught me,
That day all along, after I stole your wallet out of your sight,
I knew you're my brother, my only brother,
My only brother where's our father,
We would stay together brother.
I should've known, I should've seen.
I shouldn't have lied, I should have cried
Well I did cry and am dying.
I feel cold, I see darkness
I feel lonely now, just take my hands,
Please pull me up now, as I don't have a stand.
Goodbye my brother.