We blame our fathers
We call them traitors
We wish they had fought
We analyze and criticize!

But; while we slept…

Our villages were attacked
Our houses were ransacked
Our lives… shattered!

Under our noses
Our heroes fell,
Like petals of roses.

While we made merry…

Our women were *****
Our girls were enslaved
Our maidens… depraved!

Under our watch
Our cattle were looted
Our farms were torched.

While we fraternized…

Our children were slaughtered
Our youths were murdered
Our species… endangered!

How long shall we segregate?
While they usurp our heritage.
How long, till our place in history
Becomes a “Once upon…” story?

© Raphael Uzor

I sit and I think
Seeking a poetic opening
Daring to write my masterpiece

I haven't written in a while
At least, nothing worthy of a "Like"
Such poetic redundancy!

I read lines from other poets
Brilliant! Wonderful!! Astonishing!!!
How inspiring, how sweet!

So now must I write
And retain my rightful place
Among the nobles- called Poets!

Life was good- mundane!
Then came poetry- exciting!!
And now it's dwindling- Oh no!!!

Putting pen to paper
I scribble for hours, still nothing
I'm losing it, I freeze at the thought.

I'm sorry to disappoint you
But this is not a poem
For I sought it, but didn't find it.

For poetry is like a chick
Elusive when sought
Flirtatious when shunned.

So, must I wait
Not seeking to find her
But surrendering, for her invasion.


© Raphael Uzor

I admit I am a dark, exhausted beast--
a memory no one summons.


But you rise at dawn with raven hair--
a child of soldier and sun.


Although you've gone,
I covet your crescent grin.


and the sun

within the lining

of your skin.