Dawn Poem by Emmanuel Ayeni

I rose with may 29, hailed as dawn,
a new sun to silence doubters.
I faltered in my course,
I became a shadow.

I recalled 1960, the flag aloft,
green for wealth, white for peace.
I squandered the green,
I sent the white on exile.

I bore the coat of arms entrusted to me,
Horse, eagle, fertile soil.
I turned symbols into hollow promise,
I yeilded no fruit.

I remembered Akinkunmi,23,
a lad who birthed a nations pride.
I told today's youth 'tomorrow',
I watched their tomorrow grow grey.

I praised education, vain, hash ignored.
I declared 'Hope is back', they clapped.
I left hope sour on empty tongues.

Ah yes! I thank you Dawn,
for the dusk, I brought,
hinting this long night
must linger yet again