POEM TITLE - IF I HAD A CHOICE...

If I had a choice,

I’ll choose America,

For its presumed ease and health

Or maybe the United Kingdom

For its bliss and wealth

Or maybe Paris or Singapore

Or I’ll just rather be born down south

In Johannesburg...

I wouldn’t mind been born in the

Crooks of the Eiffel tower

Or the walk way of the Buckingham Palace.

If before now I had a choice,

I won’t be Nigerian.

But then, I would have missed out on the

Opportunities to be called a Hero.

One who stood tall despite challenges which seemed taller,

Despite the challenges of been the colonized in the colonial era.

Despite the challenges of been the victim when the

White skin was referred to as been better.

Abraham Lincoln had an opportunity to rule a failing America,

Margret thatcher had an opportunity to change a fallen Britain,

Pa Nelson Mandela had a reason to fight for a cheated race,

Obafemi Awolowo had a chance to speak for a voiceless state.

They made good use these opportunities and they are forever heroes.

So rather than wish that I had a choice,

I’ll rather make a choice to make Nigeria my children’s preferred choice.