I Do Not See Poem by Folarin Akingbemila

I do not see a terrorist
When I see Malam hawk fruits in a barrow
I do not see a terrorist
When I see Aboki pedis and manicures about
I do not see a terrorist
When I see Ma Shai pours tea from cup to cup.
I see a man who strives to survive
And earn a worthy living
Though the ship is sinking
Yet keeps his head above the waters.

I do not see a betrayer
When I see Ogbeni in his palm plantation
I do not see a betrayer
When I see Rauf reads late into the night
I do not see a betrayer
When I see Kola calling for passengers in the park.
I see a man who strives to survive
And earn a worthy living
Though the ship is sinking
Yet keeps his head above the waters.

I do not see a swindler
When I see Chinedu apprenticing for seven years
I do not see a swindler
When I see Ifeanyi fabricate Aba made shoes
I do not see a swindler
When I see Kelechi hawk CDs in the streets.
I see a man who strives to survive
And earn a worthy living
Though the ship is sinking
Yet keeps his head above the waters.

Everyone deserves a chance first
Before we let our stereotype burst
Even if they fail the test
And we tag them with the rest
Know no one's ever their mistake
No matter how much they break
There's goodness in everyone
That's what we should never shun.