This poem is a powerful reflection on war, displacement, and the struggle for freedom. It tells the tragic story of a people who fought for liberation but were met with violence, loss, and eventual surrender. Likely referencing the Igbo experience during the Nigerian Civil War, it captures the pain of oppression and the resilience of those who endured it.

The poem begins with a contradiction: "In my land of freedom, I walked with fear." This highlights the irony of living in a place meant to be free but being consumed by anxiety. The people demand justice, yet their cries are silenced by violence. The line "Killing our brothers, and leaving us undone" conveys both physical loss and emotional devastation.

The imagery of "scorching soil" and "separated from families" paints a picture of suffering and displacement. War does not just take lives—it tears families apart and leaves hearts unable to thrive. The mention of "refugee camps" emphasizes how many were forced from their homes, left to question their identity: "Are we unlucky, to be Igbo?" This speaks to a deep sense of abandonment and injustice.

The poem also highlights betrayal, as leaders fail to protect their people. "Everyone was a soldier, in this war we couldn't win." This line captures the grim reality of a war where survival itself was a battle. Despite their bravery, they were up against overwhelming forces.

The final lines are heartbreaking: "We had to surrender, and say goodbye to our pride." This is not just a loss of battle but a loss of dignity. Yet, even in surrender, their story lives on. This poem is a tribute to resilience, a reminder of suffering, and a call to remember those who fought, even when the world turned away.

Ifeanyi Njoku

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