Change In Reverse Gear Poem by Victor Okechukwu Anyaegbuna

Integrity has insulted and humiliated me
So much that I have only lived
In the paradise of pre-existence
In a world that change
Sanctioned graft and violence
Where darkness has subdued light;
Money deified, virtue defiled
And the wrath of the heavens
Has descended in roasting heat
And technology has only saved
The insincere that roundly afford
Endless luxuries and leisure on stolen worth,
While the rest of us groan and moan
In anguish at the footstool of distress.

I have watched mediocre rise
In glory to dictate how we should go.
I have watched school drop-outs celebrate riches and titles
From the proceeds of corruption
I have seen the worst among us
Rise to leadership pinnacles arrogantly
With empty brains and skills.
Bouncing and tripping from leisure to luxury.
I have watched area boys and harlots
Win elections because the cream
Were gullible, looked away and abstained.

I weep at the mockery of skills.
I groan at the deprecation of service
I am benumbed at the dearth of truth
That lends wings to the drains
Of high caliber brains
Into the diaspora
While higher values stun our basic needs.