I am constrained to write to you Mr President
For I am a victim of the ill fated society we live in
I have been betrayed, neglected, prosecuted and castigated
I grew up in a neighborhood without compassion, patriotism and love
As I grew older, life became a shadow of it past glory
No light to sit at home to watch the news on television
Streets are no longer safe to walk at night
Roads are flooded when it rains
The innocent stigmatized by law enforcement agencies
Spent more years to graduate in university
Extra years at home searching for a job
Yet they keep saying nothing comes easy
Dad has worked and retired in service after thirty five years
Pensioners carrying plank card on the news
Just to remind the government of gratuities not been paid
While the standard of living is depreciating
Price of foods increasing, workers laid off daily
There is fuel scarcity and cost of transportation is on the high
We can't find pipe borne water to drink
Yet we have abundant rivers and dams
Roads are abandoned, also is the value of and average man's life
Hospitals not well equipped, doctors not well paid
Only the rich gets fair hearing and justice
The poor prays and wait for another day
I tried not to lay blame on anyone
But if we all say we are innocent, yet refineries are not working
Don't you think its high time someone takes responsibility?
There is no point arguing about the standard of life today
Its further worst and deteriorating every day
The saint have prayed many times
But the devil seem to be the one wearing the crown
For our leaders have sold there souls to corruption
What happened to peace, love and unity?
Where are the strength and courage of our heroes past?
Whom once lived in the lands cultivated by our forefathers
No tribal wars and killings, no starvation and diseases
It broke my trust the day the leaders we voted in spit on our faces
They tried to take away our loyalty and dreams
And tried to replace it with wickedness and greed
Told us Nigerians, the youths have no future
Please, tell me this is all but a lie
When you told us there will be change
It sincerely came from the depth of your heart
That the lots we cast, will bring back the sun in our lives
All right reserved © Akan E. Udofia 2016
