Joyful in our minds that we toil
To someday come out us cassabreties
Signing autographs at festivities
Shoulders lifted up high
Teeth pushing out when saying ‘hi’
It was morning, we heard harsh knocks
First time disturbed in our sweet underworld
The ants and termites say, “They can’t be visitors”
True, they started hitting with rocks
We run deeper into the soil and curled
We have fallen prey to wild predators!
Uprooted us from our homes
Like it was their own
We had no say, first time seeing ‘red and white monkeys’
Before we could fight for what was ours
The red pepper and tomatoes had long sold us
For mirror, cloths and gun powder
And they introduced themselves
“We here are from Overseas
Have come to explore and oversee
We are called the fruits
We make skin fresh and smooth
Our brethren in suits are legumes
They will be the masters in the checkrooms”
“Who are you black ones?”
No one sabi their question
So we started laughing
“Ok, You will be the cassava
You are starchy and strong
Will build ships in the sun
And cook the meals in the rains”
Exported us to the west
Used, maltreated and waste
Our joy is a cassava now rules the fruits
But, can a cassava be ever a fruit?
Written by: Oppong Clifford Benjamin
Edited by: Kukogho Iruesiri Samson
