AFRICAN CHILD

Nida Eghafona

Please don’t treat me too harshly

I am just a child with needs

Nor treat me unfair or fiercely

I am a perfect little seed

They say my skin is black

And I should be used for work

They make me toil so hard until it’s dark

And they treat me like muck

They say ‘you should be used for trade’

And they send me of to farm

They tell me that I can’t be paid

And remind me of how hopeless I am

They tear my skin with knives

And inscribe their names

They take away my friend’s lives

And trade the rest of us for fame

They put us on boats and ships

And chain our hands and feet

They say with don’t have brains

And make us their items of beat

They tell us we are dirty

And don’t have a radiant skin

They say we are earthly

And not like the moon’s realm

But I know I am beautiful

And that’s why I’m strong

And with just my ability that’s bountiful

So why do they treat me wrong

I know that I am radiant

Just like the morning sun

And I’m beaming and vibrant

And I’m glad I was born

I believe I can make it

Whether now or tomorrow

With my bleeding hands and weary feet

Even with pain or sorrow

I am strong and I know

I don’t need someone to show

Cause in everything I do I shine

And I believe the sky is mine

I don’t have to be scared

Because I have got all it takes

Whether I am free or reared

Like a chicken or duckling on lakes

I am black with charm

Tough yet mild

I’m just exactly what I am

An African child.