He left his home
Where the oppressor's boot
Was always kicking down his door.
He left his home
To fight for freedom;
To free his brothers and his land.
And his heart and limbs
Were strong and lean
And righteous.
He fought hard
And he fought long.
He fought for his brothers
And for his land.
And his righteousness won.
He cast the oppressor aside;
And his brothers sang with glee.
With thanks and praise,
They lifted him high;
And the sun shone bright
On all their faces.
He became a politician;
To lead his brothers
In this free land.
And his head and his belly
And his bank balance grew fat.
And his brothers whimpered
And buckled
In the dark shadow
Under his weight.
READ MORE POEMS BY SHARON HEANEY STANSFIELD