History as scapegoat
By Abraham E. Nwankwo
For too long you have
Blamed your woes on the past.
Pointed at colonialism
As the cause of all your woes.
With overflogged tales of
“How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.”
Bore my shrinking ears no more!
For, rather the hot issue of
How Africans are devastating Africa,
Is the intelligent tale worth telling now.
After independence, Africa
Who are the presidents looting public treasuries?
In the new Africa,
Who are the emperors turning citizens to slaves?
Oh! Africa when will you begin
The long-awaited new life?
When will you at last,
The march to the Promised Land start?
When will you from the chains
Of mental imprisonment escape?
When will you this
Intellectual laziness discard?
And have the courage to
Accept responsibility for your fate?
The courage to accept your weakness;
The resourcefulness to advance with faith.
And look back in triumph,
To shout: “Hurray! Hurray.”
