African Eyes

A light
In the dark,
A heart to fight
And spark.

Eyes brim with tears,
Hearts hardened by fears.
They dread the dangers faced,
Yet strive with fierce haste.

They climb,
Comb the thorns and brush,
Brave every sword,
Undaunted, they push.

African eyes weep blood,
Near the edge of frigid flood.
Hope fades to shadowed glass,
A vision of strength long past.

Oh sons and daughters,
Oh tomorrows to come—
Hope may falter,
Yet hearts stay numb.
The smile must not die,
Nor the eyes close;
The head must not sway,
Nor the spirit doze.

Legs must not weaken,
Nor arms grow frail;
Skin must remain true,
And hair, proud and hale.
Africa, soil of beauty deep,
Africans, stars we seek.

Arise, Africa,
Challenge thy fears,
See the horn
And pull the bull near.

Rip off pride,
Lest grasses hide the path wide.
What eyes have seen,
Our minds retain,
In unity, strength,
In peace, reign.
Oneness, fairness,
Our unique force,
Guiding our bold course.

© Chidimma Mirabel Ugwuozo