Exploitation
18 March 2016
FRANCIS NII
An entry in the 2016 Crocodile Prize
Development, they croon
The typical claptrap
Behemoth’s sweet gimmick
What development?
My lifestyle the same
My status a shame
Change, they chant
The typical mumbo jumbo
Tyrant’s propaganda
What change?
My lifestyle the same
My status a shame
Progress, they brag
The typical gibberish
Swindler’s bitter pill
What progress?
My lifestyle the same
My status a shame
What happens to my gold and copper?
What happens to my oil and gas?
What happens to my forest and fish?
Bamboozled, ripped and robbed at will
While I spectate in bewilderment
Beggar on my own rich soil
My cry fades into vanity
My supplication falls on deaf ears
While swindlers keep plundering
When I rise up for my rights
Armed brutality the answer
Cruelty and dungeon my prize
Why, I ponder
In whose interest, I wonder
Am I not the rightful owner, I cry
Will there be an answer to my cry?
Will there be an end to the exploitation?
Or will I perish on my own soil?
Nicely said, Francis. Keep on writing.
Posted by: Joe Herman | 18 March 2016 at 04:39 PM
Your expression is louder because of the platform it is written upon. The readers hear you and are encouraged to add their voice.
Posted by: `Robin Lillicrapp | 18 March 2016 at 04:09 PM
A very thoughtful poem reflecting the current flight of our people. Keep it up, Francis.
Posted by: Simon Davidson | 18 March 2016 at 09:56 AM
Em nau!
Posted by: Michael Dom | 18 March 2016 at 05:32 AM