Amina Chifupa – A Dream Deferred ?

Hers was a mission – a revolutionary mission

Hers was a dream – a liberating dream

Each generation, said Fanon, must discover its mission

Then, it must fulfill it

Or, else, betrays it

Amina had discovered a mission

With the passion of youth, she aimed to fulfill it

But, alas, now it remains a mission postponed!

How long shall we deter the zeal of youth?

How long shall the wisdom of age let things just go?

How long oh daughters and sons of the soil?

Like Brother King, Sister Amina had a dream

Her dream is not dead

It only remains a dream deferred

But, as Hughes asks, “what happens to a dream deferred?

 

Does it dry up 

like a raisin in the sun? 

Or fester like a sore– 

And then run?

 

Does it stink like rotten meat? 

Or crust and sugar over– 

 

like a syrupy sweet?

 

 

Maybe it just sags 

like a heavy load.

 

Or does it explode?”