Fifty Teardrops Poem by Rotimi Jaiyesimi

Nigerians, a people of vitality and creativity
Let down by the absence of purpose and a sense of direction
Nigeria, a nation with abundance of hope
Exemplified by the daily struggles of its people

Nigeria, a nation where the race is about amassing wealth
Where the race is "won" by the greediest
Nigeria, a nation that lives in faith that the future bodes well

Lacking in the nation is honesty and empathy for others
And the absence of genuine love for the neighbour
Look around and you will find the relics of the good old times
Replaced by the disgusting edifices of stolen wealth

50 years, still groping in the dark
Though the sun shines, we seem blind to the ills of our society
Let the rays bring forth light that shows our leaders for who they are
Why can't we harness the energy within to show them the way out

At 50, I shed fifty tear drops and can't fully celebrate
But still - I remain undaunted and hopeful
I remain proud to be Nigerian
For we are a beautiful people

Enough of servitude
The call is for a new dawn
Who will bell the cat?
My heart beats