I can't help but ponder
on what would have been
before the advents of the colonial masters
with their promise of civilisation
and a better future
devoid of exploits
and an end to the slave trade
open arms,
exposed hearts,to the predators themselves.
but still we were subjugated to slavery
escaped, by potbellied corrupt Nigerian leaders,in their stomach
filled with filth,and citizens cry for justice
and there came a ray of hope
brought by uncorrupt,wise and well versed men
whom were oppurtuned to go abroad
the likes of tafawa balewa
ahmadu balewa,obafemi awolowo
alongside indigenous personalities,brought us to the limelight
and brought us out of the dark room of naivety
then we gained our freedom
we were free alas,and we triumphed
if only these men were still alive
we'd have prospered
and grew in strength and economy
and yet we are still exploited by our own
bad seeds in the government
bad blood every where
funds engulfed
neary a politician whom cares for the people
but with great love and hope
we still close our eyes to the truth
we make them
and they break us
we are strong
for believing
for smiling when in pain
for not losing our humanity when left with no atom of freedom
now I weep
at what would have been
where are tomorrow's leaders?
where is the knight in shining amour?
when men in their seventies,
still have their tables in the house of authority.
only to be filled by their predecessors at their demise.
But,there's no musketeer to help or a knight in shining amour,
appearing to save a nation in distress.
but yet we still clasp at a tiny bit of hope
and our perfect future materialize only in our dreams.
but now it time to make our future ourselves
because no Messiah is coming
only,but only by ourselves.

-juhainah ibrahim