A Slap on Revolution
by Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde
When we raise our hands in resilience
We are battered down in disdain
When we raise our eyes against decadence
We are plunged into societal pediplain
When we raise our voices against pestilence
We are cut off into pain
When we raise our heads against insolence
We are mashed like potatoes and plantain
Young man,
Go, tell them
Not to worry
For even if we lose our lives in this vanguard
It won’t be vain.
Suicide
by Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde
I’ve been there
Where the so-called little leaves leave the branch
And are loaned to the loams
I’ve been there
Where the key has lost lock and unlocks not
For the lock is lost
I’ve been there
Where the lonely life a man’s got
Seems taken by lack, the presence of little or none
Don’t blame the man on a suicide track
For he’s been where I’ve been.
(Editor’s note: The National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 is available 24 hours a day. There is no shame in seeking mental health care.)
