AN ODE TO THE AFRICAN GIRL | OFEM UBI

You were rich like crude oil

An innumerable number of breathing glittering gold

Your beauty was a silent sermon echoing through vast lands and kingdoms beyond

You were a handful of dancing diamonds

And those with sunlike skins always wished they possessed a quarter of your endowment

You were born to bear the weight of your men like pregnancies

You had eyes that sung the songs of salvation

And your earlobes were bearers to the testimony that black was beautiful

Your footsteps were nothing but good tidings to those who were lucky enough to hear or receive them

And your rose pedal lips made the slave masters seek for refuge in the shelter of thy bossoms

Your hips were the palace of pleasure perfectly placed by the power of HE who formed you

Though you were given birth to under harsh conditions you glowed like the morning sun on Christmas day

You were grace like green grass growing on fertile ground

You had decency etched on your skins like tattoos and your men found favor moments they set eyes on you

Nature often smiled at a glance of you

But I guess that’s in the pass now

Because all I see is an army of Delilah’s forged with liquidated tomorrows

And our once strong men fall at your feet pouring alabasters of praises like you were the Messiah

You have lured yourself into self deceit

By thinking you are of inferior qualities

Ignorant that you are first class

The Hebrew woman HE often made reference to

Dear African girl

Rise up

And stop trying to be like those you’re who wish to be like you

You were made to lead not follow

Made to give not borrow

Made to be deep not shallow

See that you are better off than the present

See that you are worth much more than night stands,

Worth more than a paper heart deceived through cheap words by men who wished to taste of your fruits without proper purchase

You are worth more than music videos and obscene lyrics

Worth more than nude photographs and adverts

Worth more than the sex idol they paint you to be

You are more, and unless you see that

Then you remain in stunted growth

RISE UP