The next dictator (1)
By Abraham E. Nwankwo
If barrels of such long-standing vintage,
Could wines so inferior in taste produce,
How much more inferior will be,
The wines from unseasoned stock?
In their days, the schools in confidence bubbled:
Pupils did not school
Only three months in a year.
Teachers were not owed salaries
Six successive months in arrears.
Parents could afford to buy for kids
Chalk, pencils and exercise books.
But in our time, the reverse is the case.
In their days, the health sector functioned:
Physicians did not migrate to
The Middle East in frustration.
Medicines and materials were not
Out of stock in public hospitals.
Public refuse dumps were
Cleared clean regularly.
But in our time, the reverse is the case.
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In their days, urban utilities and infrastructure worked:
Electric power supply was not
A luxury in industrialized centers.
Telephone network was not
Switched off and on by the authorities.
Clean drinkable water
Rushed out from treated mains.
But in our time, the reverse is the case.
