Y'oreign shadow, poor stranger, wake up
Poor stranger, why do you weep in the shadow?
This morning, that's where you awaken,
In the shadow, rejected by society.
At our meeting, dark and laden with bitterness, you weep.
They think they control you, we know they control us. In the shadow, they manipulate us, who cares?
Oh, poor stranger, quickly, you filled their void,
Now, they want nothing to do with you, claim your rights
From terrible blows, from a tasteless flaw,
Your shadow will mark their dream, foreign shadows.
Your hearts took a pause, a poignant moment,
The world becomes blurry, strangely.
Let go, step out of the shadow, the future is yours.
You wander in darkness, a vast shadow over your vulnerability.
What are you doing in the dark, oh undocumented one?
Stop working, fool, think of your dignity, claim the shadow that follows you.
Are these rules made for you better
Than the chains that were placed around your ancestors' necks?
Oh foreign shadow, poor stranger.
Since then, in the foreign shadow, you conceal yourself,
But know that you are just a stain on their canvas now!
In your own eyes, fallen stranger, they await your turn, with a sympathetic gaze.
They set traps for you, waiting for your diversion.
Wake up, foreign shadow, valiant man, courageous woman.
Why do you hide, oh foreign shadow, here you live, here you will vote.
Why do you hide in your shadow, rise, tear down the taboo.
Before them, you stand, helpless stranger,
Homeless, unprotected, lost...
You are nothing in their eyes anymore,
But compassion prevails over vengeance, far from vows.
So, you will dress like a shadow,
Wandering in the half-light,
Maybe you will find a new love,
Maybe you will be welcomed despite the heavy past.
Who is your judge? Why does he judge you? Tell him, your life is now in his hands.
Rise, oh foreign shadow, poor stranger,
Claim your dignity. Your protection is just a passing shadow,
Soon you will be free, liberated from chains, from shadows still holding you back.
Rise, foreign shadow, from the persistent night
Poor stranger, claim your nascent dignity.
Tear the veils of the shadow that binds you,
Free yourself from the chains, oh valiant soul.
You hide in the foreign shadow,
But soon, the light will guide you, sincere.
In your own eyes, retell your story,
Fallen stranger, you deserve a new edition.
They await your diversion, with sympathetic looks,
Traps set, but your spirit is resolved.
Wake up, foreign shadow, in your vigor, Valiant man, courageous woman, seeking a glimmer.
Why do you hide, oh foreign shadow? Here, in this place, your rights are legitimate to defend.
Rise, do not remain a prisoner of silence,
Defy the darkness, make your presence heard.
Before them, helpless stranger,
Homeless, unprotected, lost...
They may only see a dark silhouette,
But in you shines a enduring strength.
You are nothing in their eyes, they say,
But compassion prevails, far from hostile prejudices.
So, dress like a proud shadow,
Wandering in the half-light, with a sincere light.
Maybe you will find a new love,
Maybe you will be welcomed, despite the weight of the heavy past.
Who is your judge, why does he judge you? Tell him that your life is a poem constantly being rewritten.
Rise, oh foreign shadow, poor stranger,
Claim your dignity, shout your desire to change.
Your protection is just a passing shadow,
Soon, freedom will dissipate every shadow, every barrier.
Author's Note: The content of the poem and the included image are the sole responsibility of the author; therefore, any reproduction, copying, or translation is strictly prohibited without the author's written permission.
In the Shadow, published by KO6 Editions
© Kossi Ntiafalali Aziagba, 11. 2023
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