So, I was looking for a poem that will fit the description of where we lie as a nation as we celebrate yet another independence anniversary. . .

It just seems like yesterday when we celebrated our 52nd year as a nation.

Last year @52, I found a poem (The Giant is Asleep)

https://www.nairaland.com/1062280/poem-nigeria-52-giant-asleep

At 53, we don't seem to have awakened. Far from it! In fact, we have entered a deep-sleep mode, and some of us are beginning to lose hope in this country...

Independence Day Marks A Sad Day for my Emancipation

So here it is, As I have finally come to understand;

I can never again let myself stand under the thrall of Love's oppressive other hand;

Like a slave working without reward on the harshest of lands

I have liberated myself for the moment to be unhappily free;

so that my mind can find peace and my heart can just be.

I thought pain was a reason, or why, or because,

to explain the disdainful comments or rebukes casually tossed.

I thought love was a cure all for each and every hurtful retort,

as you sought to cause pain with each and every barb.


Your mark on me is therefore scarred across my heart,

where you tried to make me feel unworthy and a carrier of hurt.

However, like every abuser that stalks the earth,

you failed in your estimation of your love slave's self worth.

I took a stand that was just, like any true soul must,

and with my lesson now learned, love's grip turns to dust.


I am no longer lost to one of love's darkest of caves,

having to decide whether to be or continue a slave.

My decision is made,

but the die never cast,

as I take great care to walk into my future,

careful to treasure my past.

So whilst you sit watching without charity or remorse,

it seems destiny had planned you follow a different heart's course.

You pushed ever so hard to ensure that I go,

when youstaged your last scene it was then that you showed,

you can't know love if you want to hurt me so much,

which means my heart will always be beyond you and lost to your touch.

You could have traveled, withone word, a path with me at your side,

because you found in me a willing traveler who would have enjoyed the ride.

But where words would have done you had nothing to say,


So now I too look to celebrate our Independence Day.

Not the birthday of when Nigeria became politically free,

but the birthday you stopped hurting the love burning in me

https://gspoetry.com/cactusfiend/poems/independence-day-marks-a-sad-day-for-my-emancipation

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