Not Yet Uhuru I Poem by Chukuemeka Akpe

N ewborn pushed out by long dialogues
in anaemic rush to the road to freedom
umbilical tethered to a sovereign staff.


I nbred traits bloomed at sunrise as hemlock
bitterness like morning dew soaks the earth
the weeds of fiefdoms choking the landscape.


G reen fields despoiled of beauty by cesspools
uncut consciences crowned with vain glory
as honesty, pauperised, grovel for honour.


E arthquakes of conflicts draw sharp fault lines
splitting friendship into hot enemy camps
shattering the pot of the savoury stew of unity.


R eligion is widely adorned as bright ornaments
deeds are dulled by the spectres of ugly desires
whimsy worshippers parading as adherents.


I llusion of grandeur intoxicates as sweet wine:
mantras chanted to some god deep in slumber
buried by huge mountains of unheard prayers.


A nger ever recruits idle hands into an army
streets ransacked day and night for foes
powerlessness colluding to loot and rape.