She swarm to this shore
And threw her anchors.
Her inscription of deceit
“M/V Jesus”
Stared at us in mockery.
Messengers from manors
Alighted with exotic fruits
In search of alliances,
Alliances for inhumanity.
In consort with masochists
We were shipped
To new world plantations
To work unpaid.
Holy knighthood prospered,
“The dark continent”
Sank into penury
And the hymns
Echoed from cathedrals.
When we were freed,
We were shackled
With second slavery,
Our reward
Was transferred to heaven.

By Chidi Anthony Opara