Liberty Poem by Claude Simpson

It is the same song we have been singing
‘The struggle, the struggle’
Less than 200 years of post-slavery.


The riddance of apartheid,
The advancement of Blacks,
Two steps forward one step back.


Imaginary chains on our feet,
Strapped to our hands
As we clench our teeth.


Can’t bear to see the defeat of our nation;
Remember the struggle of our people.
Marcus Garvey opened our eyes;


Remember the works of Martin Luther King;
Mandela told us in his speeches;
Selassie told us in his speeches also.


Bob Marley has written and spoken in his songs;
Burning Spear echoed the memory call
‘Do you remember the days of slavery? ’


Culture chanted for liberation;
Brigadier called for ‘Free Mandela’.
Partial victory! A unified call, freedom! Freedom!