Abraham ADIKPE

We were progressing
Now, deteriorating.

We refused to water our land,
And gave our neigbours all we fetched from the stream
Of our people’s labour and every droplet of their sweats.

They. We. Them Us. You.
You flew in the sky for medications
And left us to roots and herbs.
The best for yourselves; crumbs for us.

Upon arrival, this meddling malady
Became our dearest neighbour.

Our redeemers have turned deaf ears at us.
Hopes are lost;
Our fatherland is murder-land.

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Abraham Adikpe is a third year student of English and Literary Studies, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. This piece is his contribution to the April Special Awareness Publication on Coronavirus.