Building A Foundation (A Freestyle Poem)
copyright 2016 K. Omodele @TheAbeng
“When we build, let us think that we build for ever.” ~ John Ruskin
Don’t topple each other down
over indiscretions the dotish
have dished us in the past.
Won’t shackle
and bind you
for another’s crimes-
her shuffling on like a
visitor in zoo; turning
back on the encaged,
leaving without further thought
-not even, a lingering
thought after.
No, that wasn’t you!
You’re thugging through
determination etched in your brow
Lips pursed! Eyes holding true
heart holding thru
stacking through
thoroughly troweling
building, time piled on time.
Don’t punish me for some lame’s sins-
those creeps stabbing you deep
daggers in the back; lending
you hearts, then upending your
hopes, snatching I-Do whispers back.
Houses built on sand
inevitably tumble…
But I’m constructing with you,
creating a deep foundation
Erecting deep-rooted pylons,
like Bayna-Lehkem*-shoulder-to-shoulder
-with-Taitu** deep; planted,
taking on Legions of Rome
heads high, defending home
laying bricks in a foundation
mortared with time
poured into time.
*the Ethiopian Emperor Menelik (or Menylek)II
** Empress Taitu was Menelik II’s wife. Together the battled against the Italian forces, defending Ethiopia from colonization, ultimately defeating the Italians at the Battle of Adowa.
