Decades ago, our essence was termed folly;
Like a python, we were designed to swallow another’s heritage,
Regarded as cousins to apes,
And our languages crafted and refined only to be erased.
Like Christ, we were nailed with disgust and inferiority was our headstone.
Maybe a miracle, like turning water into wine
Could erase the stains that tattooed our skins
And grant us thrones instead of the chains that choked our throats like pious priests.
Our kins crawled in the belly of the Atlantic,
Yet “they” came back for more,
Ridding our villages of the plague,
(Yet worthy enough to infest “their” plantations and chimney tops)
Our melodies went unheard,
And the restless spirits of our ancestors still roam the Mediterranean, seeking solace.
But we are as strong as Kilimanjaro,
Roaring across like the Lion; indomitable
Adorning our rightful suits like our equals,
We will reclaim our stories
And, unlike Jericho, our resilience will not be breached.
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Neba Terry is an acclaimed Cameroonian poet and spoken word artist. Her thought-provoking works have been showcased on prominent platforms including Access Point Africa, Writerspace Africa (WSA), Eboquills, Demogog, Cultural Reference, and Raising Voices for Peace. As a distinguished wordsmith, Neba was the first runner-up at the Southern Cameroon Poetry Awards in 2022 and a multiple-time winner of Access Point Africa’s weekly poetry contests. She has also graced stages such as Apwal 2022, IFACA 2023, and Groit Hub. Connect with Neba on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on her latest creative endeavours.
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