And The City Bleeds.

153 died; oh what grief,
153 died; kini big deal?
Na today una don dey die; kini?!
Abeg una go rest jo! Ogini!

153 died; off the plane,
We still don’t know how many died off the streets,
Yes na! Haba; dem neva plenty reach?
Make dem dey die dey go; abegi plix!

153 died; we hope they rest in peace;
What will it take for us to let go of our peace?
Is it till dead bodies start lining the streets;
Or till we all stifle in the smell and heat?

153 died; many more to come,
These leaders publicly killing us, what’s the outcome?
People looking unconcerned in bars; how come?
The tyrants are outnumbered; the masses outgunned

153 died; but life goes on,
On those who lost loved ones it remains to mourn,
Shed tears for the dead; victims of greed,
Streets awash with blood; and the city bleeds

Oh mother! Look to your daughter; pregnant by her father,
Oh father! Look to your son, is he worthy to remember?
Be prepared to reap fruits of your silent seeds;
Hearts torn apart by sorrow; and the city bleeds

153 dead; I shed a tear for each,
With my pen I script ‘cos I’ve been denied sleep,
Words my heart can’t speak raw; cooked to a speech,
I hope this, a conscience pricks – and still the city bleeds

As We Grieve