If my own seeds have forgone
My rich culture for valueless drama;
And have despised my motherhood,
Then have I not a rationale for weeping?
If I weep, I weep for a cause;
If I lament, it is for my loss.
My loss of my name,
For humiliating shame;
And my loss of my pride,
Which others once pried.
Yet I feel an approaching hope!
It is coming like a light to roll away my blackness:
Then I shall also like others smile,
O Mama Africa!
ISAAC ESSOUN
