UNSUNG HEROES

Before Niger Area became Nigeria, 

before military posts became secretariats , 

before governor generals became presidents 

and we could have the sweet taste of independence. 

Before we could feel the winds tapping our bodies as ours, 

before we could rest and relax at certain hours, 

before those long blood draining chains were cut, 

before freedom could be settled in our thoughts. 

Before the day greeted our smile early in the morning

as compared to when we'd grimace at it when mourning, 

before our wines could be injected in better wineskins, 

and we could tear in peace and bliss, tasty animal skins. 

Before we could prostrate before our parents

without the fear of being caught by human traders unawares, 

before we could learn to trust this same white men

who traded for money and valuables our happiness. 

Some men built swords in mouths and pens, 

took the burden of a million people to head, 

fought for us with their time, resources and lives, 

just to put an end to our strife. 

These people are dead, lying deep beneath the earth 

and their traces have faded in our polluted atmosphere, 

while we gallivant around with a feeling of rest, 

their spirits walk around on our lands, water and air. 

They demand a white ties in our black coats, 

a report on the lands that has become our own, 

they crave peace from us for the rest of their souls, 

these people are heroes , Unsung heroes! 

© Aj Maverick