Just Poetry xxviii

Africa’s Plea

Don’t preserve my customs

As some fine curios

To suit some white historian’s
                      tastes.

There’s nothing artificial

That beats the natural way

In culture and ideals of life.

Let me play with the whiteman’s
                         ways

Let me work with the blackman’s
                        brains

Let my affairs themselves sort
                          out.

Then in sweet rebirth

I’ll rise a better man

Not ashamed to face the

                 world.

Dennis Chukude Osadebay

Africa Sings, 1952

Africa’s Plea

Don’t preserve my customs

As some fine curios

To suit some white historian’s
                      tastes.

There’s nothing artificial

That beats the natural way

In culture and ideals of life.

Let me play with the whiteman’s
                         ways

Let me work with the blackman’s
                        brains

Let my affairs themselves sort
                          out.

Then in sweet rebirth

I’ll rise a better man

Not ashamed to face the

                 world.

Dennis Chukude Osadebay

Africa Sings, 1952