Watch, Memory

Memories have a certain way with heroes.

Memories: stunning pictures of yesterday,

Distant realities inhumed in our marrows,

Come thumping thro the dusts of time bringing

Strips of film of battles and conquests past;

Opening this child’s eyes to see the glories,

The struggles and the triumphs that creased our path.

Our grandmothers and grandfathers, hopes fired

Like clay blocks dashed for the mark of the prize.

We came into ripeness of their desire.

Yet, memory like a faithful watchdog fights

To keep labors of heroes past alive.

And as we stand to remember, we ask

That we forget not till we breathe our last.

Akpan