If Only They Could Watch Poem by James Ogunjimi

If only the heroes of our nation dead and buried could watch,
If only they could see what their labours have been reduced to and how their people have become lost,
Then maybe our ears will be open enough to hear,
Their shrieks and endless tears.

If only Pa Awolowo could watch,
And see what his legacy has become.
If only he could see the fake AWOists that have flooded our nation and rendered his life's work of no effect,
Then maybe our minds will open enough to understand,
His pain as he views the land.

If only the great Fela could watch,
And see the generation of youths that he handed the torch,
If only he could see how silent and cowed his people have become,
Then maybe our eyes will open enough to see,
The tears as they roll down his cheeks.

If only MKO could watch,
And see what democracy has become.
If only he could see how his people are being robbed blind and killed all in the name of democracy,
Then maybe our understanding will expand enough to imagine,
The heartache he has had to live with.

If only Gani Fawehinmi could watch,
And see what the nation has become.
If only he could see the people he fought side-by-side with now dining at the same table with the enemy.
Then maybe our memories will go back long enough,
To remember how he gave up his life and fought for the people even when it was tough.

If only we will listen,
To their voices as they chide us.
If only we will allow ourselves,
To see their tears as they watch us.
If only we could open our minds enough,
To understand the meaning of Change.
Then, maybe
Just maybe,
We'll be willing to stand up for what we believe.