Poems

2020: A year in review

We started 2020 with a very hopeful, positive vision,

But this year had its own plans and a very disastrous mission.

So instead of abounding greatness, something else became quite clear,

And that was a realisation to be grateful we’re still here.

First we were punched with Kobe’s death and a possible world war,

All while Australian wildfires were spreading wide and far.

The Sussexes left the UK and the UK left the EU,

While scientists watched what SARS-CoV-2 could really do.

After POTUS’ impeachment failed, eyes refocused on Wuhan,

But COVID had already spread due to a bad containment plan.

When the G6 nations felt the hit, the world looked on in fear,

Then people started to stockpile things from toiletries to beer.

Businesses and schools closed down as viral deaths saw a boom,

And so many people learned how to use virtual sites like Zoom.

But don’t forget the theories of virus-causing 5G,

Or losses in the stock market as seen with Dow and S&P.

By the time of locust swarms and Saharan dust filling the air,

The pentagon confirming UFOs was met with zero care.

And just for a second as you thought you’d maybe catch your breath,

Then came BLM protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

The year got weirder still when signals came from outer space,

And AI systems having language that no human being can trace.

By then, the world wondered if Joe would trump Donald in November,

But we then lost dear Chadwick Boseman - a gem we must remember!

With all that has been said thus far this year for most is worst,

But for many the ‘new normal’ has forced them to try out some firsts.

Entrepreneurship and creativity now surely abound,

And it is the aim that vaccine innovations for mankind are safe and sound.

So as 2020 in all its power draws to its end,

The strength we’ve shown just to survive is a trait we should commend.

So let us all embrace the goodness as we help each other cope,

Season’s greetings to all and let us look to next year with hope.

– Christopher A. Phipps

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Is America a real place?

Did I see correctly…

The desolation of democracy?

Chaos on capitol hills assembly?

Women and men climbing walls, enraged by this alleged election fraud.

Placards, wild heart, insistent chants

All for this 'Save America' march.

Did I see correctly…

Inequity in this democracy?

A stampede of animals, the police ‘chased’

But if you recall in 2020, that march, was quite different because of their race.

“I can’t breathe, I have no peace” … that was 2020s chorus.

Yet, “I won’t leave, I won’t heed” can be chanted in today’s streets after curfew?

“Stand by, stand down!” that’s the message they hear

No, they won’t go home when you energize this idea.

What have we created among the human race?

A stampede of animals the police won’t chase?

It’s not ok for us to be okay with what took place at Capitol Hill.

Where is the greatness in America that we once chased?

For after January 6, America in its history of liberation is no longer a real place.

– Naketa West

Cooperate Injustice

Cooperate injustice

The music has you slave to the rhythms

The dancefloor to dancing

The working world; slaves for innovation

But let's look at the injustice of cooperate

Or the other word, corruption

They feed you money

Just enough to survive

Only for the next payday

That's enough to keep you at bay

Little deeper?

Yes, the lowest on the pyramid

The foundation that allows;

The ship to sail ahead

For those none other than,

The higher paid;

Who sits comfortably

These so-call leaders are nothing

But just a facade

Never there really, when their duties call

Pardon me, but deeper?

Yes, never able to answer or serve!

The needs and wants of those lesser

Ones whose voice needs a channel to be heard

And heard by those whose hearing is impaired

Those who just shrug their shoulder

And whose motion is that of a robot

Still too shallow, deeper?

Yes! Leaders but not by nature

Only by title

Yes, the sirs

Can anyone recall?

The ones who unmasculates

Gender without a cause

Only because we are numbers

Just place on a paper, a spreadsheet

Then placed on a wall

Yes! It's these sirs

But anyone can lead

Once given manuals

And a map with a road that plans out

They ...

Break the least amount of sweat

And delegate, don't forget

All to be free of stress

But ...

I contest you

Give me the tools

To face your challenges

I bet you, it will be easier

At least for me

And not as difficult as they make it

Now you, come clean up

The lesser guy's mess

Let's put your dedication to the test

Live the life you live

With a cut to the paycheque

Just a reminder, anyone can lead

Especially when you are just looking at numbers

Being displayed on any digital device screen

And if you take offence,

Then to you my dear sirs

– Makonnen Solomon