When I see a police car
I immediately imagine
The raging sound
Of shots fired through thin air
A massacre of bodies scatter
Through the ground
Leaving no traces
To track me back to where
I should have been
But cut short by wild wolves
In prestige black clothing
I all of a sudden smell fear close enough
To feel they'll come for me
Should I not take the other route
I haven’t done anything wrong
But so didn’t Kolade Johnson
Or Akeem Akinsanya
Anita Akapson
Ada Ifeanyi
Tina Ezekwe
Or the rest of us out here
There are days I want to play tough
Cling on to Fela’s strength
And say; I refuse not to put up a fight
I insist to fight today
And live to die tomorrow
Throw my chest out and scream;
‘You can kill my body’
‘But you can’t kill my soul!
But I must be wise
And remember my mother’s words
Never to put up a fight if I must live
To survive a next run
I must run for cover
And find safety in a little cowardice
For gone are the days
Crime had on saggy shorts
Singlet and a colored handkerchief
Hanging out their back pocket
There is a new crime in town
And it works for the government
Therefore, the Nigeria of my dreams
Is a far cry from reality
The Nigeria of my dreams;
Is the Justice League from the Avengers
Protecting lives and handing me a beer
While I tell my rights
Saying to me I have the right to an attorney
Should I choose not to speak
Giving me directions and not waiting in turn
for some crumpled notes
Applauding me for knowing my rights
And not making me curse my little education
Making me want to hold
My hand to my chest and pledge
'God bless the peace officers living in cosmopolitan era
The Nigeria of my dreams?
That will be a day!
Narrative
We live in a society where crime is no longer seen solely in the actions of thugs and hoodlums but also in those entrusted to uphold justice. The fear that once drove us to flee at the sight of troublemakers now extends to the very individuals tasked with protecting us—the police, or "popo," as some casually refer to them. It’s a harsh and unfortunate reality, but one we cannot ignore.
Used words & terms
-‘massacre’: savage killing
-‘cowardice’: lack courage