Home Sweet Home

Plotting an escape.

Searching for a safe space

In the wrong country

Built on our backs

Bolting from the scene

And never looking back.

*

Running to board yet another ship

To take us back to our origin.

Taking a risk and saying our prayers.

Fleeing from our old lives

When there was rice braided into our hair.

*

Nervous about leaving, yet we know we can't stay

Facing the harsh truth about the United States.

Land of the free

Taunting my people and me

Triggering our ancestors' trauma

Suggesting to bring back hanging by a tree

Reminding us of the place they want us to be

*

So let us roll the dice and flee

Hoping that we made the right decision

Praying for safe passage

Endangering our lives yet again

To cross a wrathful sea

And face intransigent authorities

*

Looking for a better life

And finding our sanctuary

Across the waters

Back in our country.

Alkebu-lan, our Garden of Eden

Mother Africa we are home.