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
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