WHERE WE COME FROM

Where we come from, decisions are death to dare, a blink from extinction, and the knight’s sharp-edged sword. Where we come from, the road of life is rough from the start, the sun scorches not the plant but man, corruption is wealth’s closest ally. Where we come from, the floor is paved with thorns — one step draws blood, a smile is an illusion framed, friendship becomes an added burden. Where we come from, our ancestors’ victory is our destruction, our queen was sold as a slave to the West, yet our beauty can still be found in black. Where we come from, memories are puffs of smoke, sleeping is a stumbling block, appreciation earns you enemies, and too many friends invites death. Where we come from, our roots were stiffened by our forefathers, our hope is embedded in the songs we sing, and our future is layered like a bridge. Where we come from, tears are a symbol of hope, darkness represents our home, and death is the freedom to finally be alone.