They Enjoy Seeing Us Divided Poem by Hebert Logerie

They enjoy seeing us fighting
They don't like seeing us working
We need to lead, not to follow the others
Who enjoy seeing us in raggedy clothes and slippers
They don't want us to own big business
So we won't be able to earn big money
Like them. Let's put our heads together, please
Let's unite. Let's not behave like evil beasts
Like birdbrains. We need to organize better
We must be the best that we can
So that we can enjoy greatness and a prosperous future
Success is about doing well and being solvent. Yes, we can
If we are united against racism, discrimination
Corruption, dictatorship and all things that are bad
For our society or stand as one Nation. We can win
Together against all criminals and kidnappers. It is sad
That we mess up or fight each other for no reason
We will succeed if we stop betraying each other
And fighting among ourselves for spurious reasons. If together
We work, we eat together, and we live and sing together
We celebrate together, we dance and struggle together
We will be victorious without a doubt. Please understand
What I am talking about. We need to make a stand
Because they cannot kill all of us. I am planting a seed
Which will grow in our minds. We will fight against greed
Racism, bigotry and all sorts of misdeeds or unfairness
Let's be or remain vigilant, just, tolerable and honest
We are brothers and sisters. Let's watch and protect
Each other's back. Let's practice love, togetherness and respect.


Translation from Haitian Creole: Zòt renmen Lè Ke Nou Divize.

Copyright © February 2021, Hébert Logerie, All rights reserved.
Hébert Logerie is the author of several collections of poems