"Drums of Emancipation"

The scarlet man came bearing fruits of our forest, ?

Like a Predator for a Prey,?

He is like the harmattan wind rustling our evergreen trees,?

The scarlet man has come, ?

And our land of dreams has become barren like a desert, ?

putting out our light beams, ?

And taking away our dessert.?

I have seen pain knock fiercely at my heart, ?

Like a creditor for a debtor, ?

I have seen it eat at my flesh like a woodpecker, ?

Seeping through my pores like a disease, ?

Spinning through my mind like a weaver's loom, ?

?

Life seems grim, ?

I have been given a cup of despair, ?

Full to the brim, ?

Clothed in ashes, ?

Like raindrops.??

?

Though I have been burnt like a firewood, ?

But like a great friend once said, pain is a fine ingredient for success, ?

Though I have been bruised, I will not let this flame be doused, ?

The flame that was handed down, even by generations before me.?

?

I am not just a girl child, I am the child of destiny, ?

The secret of generations drawn in by the scribbling on those pages,?

Though a long walk to freedom, ?

With the pen, I will rise from the Lion's den, ?

With my words like a sword, ?

I will break the ice glades, ?

And so let it cut through you like a blade, ?

Hear the voice of your fathers, ?

The drums of emancipation, ?

I am the torch bearer, ?

I am a Child, not a bride, ?

I am Africa's heritage, ?

I am born of the black soil with a golden heritage. ?

?

Abimbola Geraldine Salau?

#DiaryofaResilientdreamer?

#Childnotbride #freedom #Africa #girl-child #emancipation #heritage #girl-childeducation #girlchildempowerment #girlsdeserveabrighterfuture?