At first I thought it was just my pain,
But now, I see you all feel the same,
They’re back once more with their rules again,
It’s our African dads’ enforcing their reign:
“I’m the bread winner, and so hence, I’m king,
All my family members, your homage, bring,
These demands I proffer must be fully met!
No! I have no care for the effects.
My family members must wash my feet,
They must smile and dance to my beat,
I pay the bills, I pay the fees,
I buy the food, so fall on your knees.
I want my children to be free with me,
And before me, their problems bring.
How else would I smirk at how they feel?
And remind them that I am king?
Yes! I’d take my kids to a driving school,
Their friends will hear and think I’m cool,
But I’d never let them touch my cars,
They should ask their mum, they can have hers.
My wife must know where she stands,
She’s just a property like all my lands,
In my kitchen; she must belong,
Or on the bed, I’d right her wrong.
She must not earn more than me!
Lest her respect, I wouldn’t see,
I won’t have that! She better know,
Or back to her people; she’d have to go!
I would make any rule that I want,
And break them? You better don’t!
I’d control my family the way I like,
They should either conform or take a hike.
All I say is always right!
Correct me if you want a fight,
Accept my dictates! No debates!
Or to you, I’d show the gates.
I know all, I had distinctions,
My character even, breathes perfection,
You must obey me, no conditions,
And when I speak, pay attention!”
I tried to change my African dad,
With fruitless efforts, I became sad,
I then decided to focus on me,
And be the best dad that I could be.
Experiences of journeying humans 