POEM

THE WRITERS’ WORKSHOP WRITES ON ELECTIONS

FOR TUESDAY, I9TH MAY 2009

Do not bring out your machetes
Do not load your Kalashnikovs
Spare me that bullet
Oh! Save me from that bloodbath
Forget not Epiphania Bonjesi
So young, innocent – no today
Only with our papers
Are we to triumph in this battle.

Liberate me.
Yes, liberate me
Only by being fair
Let in failure, sanity supersede emotions
For it is not a destination; just a stepping stone
A stepping-stone to levels of higher integrity
Without bullets and machetes, hatred and jealousy
The pen will regain its initial sharpness
That pierces through the hard hearts of the unconquered

Leaders, lock up your insanity
Allow us to celebrate wisely
Our hard-earned freedom of conscience
And the sweetness of choice
The choice of words to pen
That will liberate us from the nutshell
The nutshell of violence in Africa

Do not forget the promises
You scribbled on our innocent hearts
As you were campaigning
We got you right
Therefore, make your promises a reality

THE END