'Weeping Jesica' by Jerry King Nwobodo explores the harrowing experiences of over one million Ghanaians who were cruelly expelled from Nigeria by the government of President Shehu Shagari in 1983.
It tells the story of Mama Mensa who died during the journey on board a ship name Jesica. Before Mama Mensa died she places a curse on Nigeria which the gods quickly grant.
Read full text of 'Weeping Jesica' by Jerry King Nwobodo
TO A DYING PEOPLE
I see people standing high and flurry
Hairs dyed in green
They overlook the bluely horizon
In skies filled with wide patches of white.
I see people dancing shoulder to shoulder
To music whispers of the great beyond
They stay woke guarding the realm
Awake at day more attentive at night.
I see people stationed in sand
They are fastened to their ankles deep
Come tropic rains or arid shine
They remain observed at their greenly post.
I see people bearing fruit
Letting dwarfs steal their precious meat
Pregnant birds giving child in their flurry arms
Creeping things finding safety during rain.
I see giant people eaten and chewed
Burning and hewn in pieces and silenced
Sent to far lands for timber and fire
Colouring the land green and becoming giants again.
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