Before my death
I have this to say:
Man's riches gather
When he exploits, extorts
And neglects the suffering.

Vision for the self
Is lubricant for vices;
Vices accomplices of evil
Whose superfluity
Pullulate profane power,
As symbols of frailties
And spirituality of vanities.

Only looters and murderers--
Be they prisoners or free men
Enjoy the carnister of
Collective carnage
And hope in the boom
Of projects that import
Selfish survival or sectional
F u f i l l m e n t.

Power and impuissance;
Opulence and poverty;
Wisdom and nitwitdom;
Martyrdom and herodom;
Holiness and unrighteousness;
Weigh worse than pervidy,
If unaccompanied by kindness!

"KINDESS ALONE SHALL SAVE THE WORLD IN THE END!"

© July 2005 Mankind Olawale Oyewumi