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the c in "my country" stands for chains

mark my words that someday my wrists will be free of these marks

sweet motherland has developed a bitter taste

mother's breast milk has been contaminated

and if her children are overexposed to it they might face a tragic fate

so we plan our escape

we dream of going far away

to places with waters they can never taint

at least not as much as the ones where we were raised

the c in "my country" stands for change

nobody believes in again

mother's hands tighten around our throats

when she hugs us we struggle to not choke

we fear our dreams cannot grow under her overflow of tears

do not blame us if our parting sends uneasiness spiraling in her chest

it is not our fault if we seek to distance ourselves from her breast

do not say that I am ungrateful 

it is simply human instinct to crave freedom

and the c in "my country" stands for chains.

About The Author

 Lynn Matthew is a writer and poet from Nigeria. She often describes herself as a work of art strategically disguised as a girl. Find her on X @03lynn_matthew.