We shall conquer

Though nights trigger fear

Right down to our marrows

As vagueness of who stands at the door

Or aims from the yard,

Drives away slumber

From tenderness of our cradle

Though our anticipations are only dreams

And we open eyes to unending terror

Yet, we hold on to our faith

And we shall conquer.

Though our daughters are snatched

 Right before their future

And sons, wiped out in the mug of their goal

Though suddenly peace grows wings,

And water, swapped with blood

And we look but can’t see;

We gather, yet can’t mobilize

For we know not where arrows aim

Yet, our hope shall be our shield

And we shall conquer.

Though our land becomes alien to us,

And safety, a miracle

And door bang sounds like gunshot

Though terror accompanies our shadows,

Since we know not the enemy

Yet he seems close enough to know enough

Though quickly our smile fades away

And tears soak us to the brim,

Yet a testimony we shall tell

And we shall conquer.

(for all victims of Boko Haram attacks)

Neville Tamanjong

Writer/Actor/Poet