For The Sake Of Sharibu Poem by Ekwueme Kelechi

O day, wipe not away the memories of Leah
Let the shadows of Leah be restored
That redemption might throw a banquet in joy
On her behalf

Appeal to the heart of the land
Who you took breath with
From same womb of God
That joy may kiss the feet of redemption

Sharibu, a naked girl in heart
Whose crime like Shadrach and co was a refusal
To the voice of Nebuchadnezzar
She has been in the shackles of the fire for long

Where is the God of the old?
Where is this God of Elijah?
Grant whips unto the soul of Nebuchadnezzar
That this young future might know freedom

For the sake of Sharibu
Let our leaders pinch their skin in shame
Let the air seize the life of 2019 from their lips
For like the walls of Jericho, ours fell under their nose

(c)EKWUEME KC