It's Been Far Too Long

What is going on my people? My government?
Where are my sisters?
Their love and presence?
It's been missing for far too long.
The world is at war, crying, speaking, wanting to be heard,
Emotions here, there, being stirred up everywhere
Across the cities, countries and borders.
Please dear Lord, we ask for you to just bring back our daughters.

What is going on my people? My government?
Where are my sisters?
Their beauty and Aura?
It's been missing for far too long.
Silent whispers and prayers from children who barely understand,
Younger siblings have what once were filled, empty hands.
Mothers', fathers' eyes are glistening with tears.
Understand, this is not just a random world affair.

What is going on my people? My government?
Where are my sisters?
Their wisdom and laughter?
It's been missing for far too long.
Daniel is asking for Saraya.
Abdul is wondering why his mommy is crying.
Asabe misses her older sister.
They are weeping, mourning, and praying their girls are not dying.

What is going on my people? My government?
Where are my sisters?
Their smiles and joy?
It's been missing for far too long.
Nigeria is crying oil and money.
How can Nigeria breathe and take three weeks just to weep?
Where is the love? Peace? And harmony?

What is going on my people? My government?
Where are my sisters?
Their hearts and pride?
276 future doctors, lawyers, mothers and wives,
276 daughters, cousins and nieces.
276 days it must not take to find our daughters, cousins and nieces.
Boko Haram, my country, my people, my government,
My sisters are missing for far too long.


by Abiola Oladitan

A Moment's Bliss

After the cold winds have gone away,

and the ice blankets are no more,

the life once held in the white dungeon awaits,

making its way through the muddy floor.

As if it knows to come out before the others,

before the sun's rays pierce the gloomy clouds,

from the aftermath of winter's fury, it suffers,

yet through April's overbearing showers, it buds.

Dressed in violet, golden and milky petals

it sends a message for everyone to hear,

preparing the way for the fair Lady's arrival,

with silent rejoicing for She is near.

Oh, how your happiness would have sustained,

if you had more time to drink the sun-kissed day,

yet one simple messenger shall you remain,

fulfilling your duty before withering away.

Though your time is short,

you will be missed,

your beautiful display

but a moment's bliss.

by Ashley Abreu

The Lifeline

Send your body to its grave and behave.

Grasp your intelligence like a frayed rope dangling.

Your skin is like leather and your skull like stone,

a perfect rendition of man at its finest,

and oh,

will you

be fined 

for it.

Narcissus befits himself with beauty, of course

but he is the only one staring at his mirror.

Your Narcissus, too, blooms by its own reflection--

you pay your own debt to desire and affection.

Read a book,

pay your rent,

watch tv,

breathe a breath,

that's all you wish.

Live a normal,

privileged,

American life.

You don't care that your skin is poisonous,

or that your words

sting

like death.

by Julian Fanelli