" REFLECTION "

When I look into the mirror

Where I am able to see things as they are and not just how the world sees them

I see nothing but glimpses of sorrow

Disappointment written all over my face

By pens of my own origin.

The thought of being in a world full of racism, injustice, and lack of unity

Makes my heart beat louder than thunder

For my fears are justified.

When I look into my eyes through that same mirror

Hoping to see images of peaceful coexistence

And dreams of the break of a new dawn

I visualize footsteps of hatred and vengeance

Approaching me like a hungry beast in search of a prey in the jungle

So much that I wish to disappear into the thin air

But was trapped by nets laid by the weak and oppressed.

A look at our little country through that same mirror

Showed me our once fertile and rich culture

Our once enviable unity and brotherhood

Eroded by bad political mistrust and racism

I see children bear burdens of past inhumanity

For they are successors of such indecency.

I see the chased by a questionable future.

A closer look into my eyes through this mirror

And into my heart and soul

I began searching for answers to a million questions:

Just when will I wake up to a whole different environment?

Just when will we stand up for equality and justice?

Just what will it cost us to see who we really are as a people?

Our future? Sovereignty? What exactly?

For what my eyes see is that we will have nothing left

By the time we are done stripping ourselves off our true identity.

A little deeper look showed me a more promising image

Of my own responsibilities for it all starts with me.

I need to be that change I wish to see.

To see no difference in people that share a nation and earth

Be it race, color, belief, or opinion.

To hope for better days marked by songs of dialogue and understanding

Of beats of pride and a common good.

And to inspire and advocate peaceful resistance against

Everything and anything that costs us our unity and pride.

By: Awa Conteh