March 2012 – The Divine Bandit™

To my last born daughter,

These are the reasons I’m writing you this letter.

Words of wisdom to your brother and sister,

Tell them why they have to keep together.

This is the life that they wanted to take.

But for you this life I had to make.

I’m really sorry my death I had to fake.

But all I did was for your own sake.

I was there when the president was half black.

The same year we all fell like sitting ducks.

It was then that I decided to go and pack.

But don’t worry one day I will be back.

Your mama and I never used to be this fat.

Whatever happens she still holds my heart.

I miss her little lower back tat.

Just as she misses her furry old cat,

Tears flowed when they burnt down that church.

The flames juxtaposing their deed so cold,

Justice and reconciliation didn’t seem to mean much.

But the fumes from my countrymen were the realest seed I ever smoked.

The smoke in no way made my memory blurry.

Until the day I die, I put on for my country.

In my days I walked my talk.

Promise I made to your mama I gave her a rock.

Serenaded her with my rhyme stock,

Red all over I saw her heart unlock.

This, my daughter: is a legacy.

Be responsible and heed my warning.

See the dog in these boys escape the fallacy.

But still be so hot, add to the global warming.

Go to church anytime that you can.

Listen to the preacher but follow the Bible.

Glow from within shine like the sun.

Follow His word don’t listen to fables.

Before I sign off and put my pen down.

Let me say all and avoid a post script.

I want to see you put on a graduand’s gown.

Be my genius girl and don’t follow the drift.

Let your hair down and be the talk of the town.

Make your mama a present and be her gift.

I could go on with this advice.

But I have to go now protect your world.

The rest will be said at a face to face.

Always truly, Your, loving dad.

It’s been a long time since I played barefoot.
Kicked a ball around without a care in the world.
Now I know that I care more than a hoot.
In my elusive search for that pot of gold.
It’s been a long time since I drank government milk.
And shrieked the words of the loyalty pledge.
It’s been a long time since I hang out with my ilk.
And slowly hoisted the flag over a rolling wedge.
It’s been a long time since I shaded in an exam.
Or let someone anger me with a corporal hit.
It’s been a long time since I read “The Animal Farm”.
Or worn red, black, green and white in one outfit.
It’s been a long time since I dragged a metallic suitcase.
Or joined a club to avoid community work.
It’s been a long time since I’ve worn this face.
Or stopped to admire the wheels at the car park.
It’s been a long time since I really saved my credit.
Or had a phone book of less than a hundred.
It’s been a long time since I was fully fit.
And looked at the elevator with such dread.
It’s been a long time since I was in a play.
Or recited French verses that I didn’t understand.
It’s been a long time since I attended a party during the day.
Or got time to write a song for my old band.
It’s been a long time since I held the “javelin” while traveling.
Or got my pelvic bone re-adjusted through public means.
It’s been a long time since I started writing.
And now with this pen I bring you the scenes.

For in that long time I have been hungry.
No more milk but camps and the cold rain.
I have stood in waterlogged cells growing weary.
And all my senses numbed by the never-ending pain.
I have seen and smelled the charred remains of my father.
And watched my uncle shot in public.
The vampires have bayed for the blood of my brother.
While the Treasury hid all the garlic.
My grandfather acts like he lost his mind.
As he reminisces the scalp and braids pulled from his wife’s head.
The sands of time just keep sinking in the tide.
As the whips and batons almost leave my pastor dead.
In that long time I have gathered knowledge.
And slowly turned it into wisdom.
In that long time I have given up revenge.
And let constructive thoughts occupy my boredom.
That’s why in that long time, I have chosen between multiple parties.
And severally amended the constitution.
In that long time I’ve respected other people’s deities.
And not regarded their belief as confusion.
In that long time I’ve learnt of the word promulgate.
Yet I still wonder why they couldn’t just say legislate.
In that long time I have seen an unlikely union.
Just to bring an end to the bloodshed.
In that long time, the people have risen from the canyon.
And decided a new law to finally wed.
In that long time my eyes have been opened.
And the staircase to heaven I can finally see.
In that long time I won’t have to be told what happened.
Because in a long time it will all be me.