We kids of current years

Remember our nights and days

But do not remember our upbringing

We do not remember our way

All these years lent us

Are left bloody

Everything to ashes

Leaving those who brought us to life

With soulful cries of eternity

We kids of current years

Are fading into darkness

We are lost for pages

Disobedience and waywardness

Turns out to be our virtue

We who used to be good

Before our ages bred

Do not remember our ways

We are breaking free

From our morals and values

We kids of current years

Oh! Upon history’s shame

At least we could bow our souls

And try to remember our way

But we kids of current years

Are taking waywardness as a virtue

Poem Description

This poem is a suggestion of a Hope for redemption or a return of African kids to their roots. However, the poem concludes with a reinforcing statement, “But we kids of current years are taking waywardness as a virtue,” showing the central conflict and the deliberate choice of the new African generation. Overall, the poem expresses concern and criticism regarding this new generation that, in its pursuit of perceived freedom and defiance, deliberately broke free from its African heritage, values, and the wisdom of its elders, instead elevating “waywardness” to the status of a virtue by which they now take waywardness to be a good attribute. It suggests a loss of direction and identity, causing distress to those who care for them. This highlights the theme of disobedience, with the persona holding onto a tone of concern accompanied by the mood of sadness.