My Country, My Pain

Sweating on my mat, I curse! As the light dimly flickers Off and on it wavers Like a torch amidst a storm. For the ten thousandth time I wonder What is wrong with mother? My aggrieved home and country Her pain is mine to bear. She has many a tale to tell Troubled much from deep her belly Wonder how much she can endure Till body and soul give in. She was blessed by the heavens Much to the envy of all Yet! Alas, she mourns And weeps in pain untold. Time and again she follows Sheepishly trusting her shepherds She has had a quite a number With tongues unknown and known Her plight is not their vision As she inevitably learns Her wool and meat and milk Are all they dare to care. She breeds enough to share And feed her dying lambs But much is lost to thieves Who lurk in shadows of shepherds. Destined for royalty she was But penury has robbed her glory Awake! Oh mother Nigeria! And reclaim your lost birthright. © Raphael Uzor

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