by
Kumi Ansah-Koi,
University of Ghana, Legon.

Laughter
Is no more heard in the land!
Gaiety
Is met with only in dreamland!
Smiles
Are wry and suppressed!
Scarcity
Is the characteristic feature of the land!
Queues
Without end are spread over the Soil!
People
Of the land are captive of dire want!
I scream
The scream of the Frustrated!
I sigh
The sigh of the saddened!
I bemoan
The paradox of poverty in the midst of
showered abundance!
I decry
Those acted versions of Cain’s retort
In our precious land!
I shed those tears sincere mourners
alone Shed!
The costly heritage lies submerged
In a malodorous and horrific mess!