The Outcast

by Nii-Ayi Solomon

I heard their call in the far land

But I will not respond

Their deeds I will not look at before rising

Their accusations and murmurs however whack me in the face

And my tears become unstoppable

Is it my fault that I know not my father?

A first son born into a royal home

But today I walk among our people as an outcast

I am a stranger

With no father’s blessing or a mother’s love

Is it my fault I come by night?

To the home of my father

I come by night because I am ashamed

Ashamed because I am disowned

Disowned because I am despised

Despised because I am abused

It is not my fault I know not my mother’s prime mate

When I walk among our people I am teased

Teased because I have no father’s blessing

They toot all day, enquiring

‘’But where is his father?’’

Answers always arrive at my door post

‘’My father is dead and left me with no blessings’’

But I know he lives somewhere in the next village

Papa, come and shower your blessings on me

As a child is born and loved

Papa, come and kiss me

As a child is accepted by his own people

For in your absence

I was humiliated, lacerated and castigated by your own people

How many sleepless night I have encountered

When they say there goes the outcast

But papa, come and shower your blessings on me

As a child is born and loved

Papa, come and kiss me

As a child is accepted by his own people

For I am your child and a son of this village

When the ceremony has come

For the sons to recount their father’s achievement

And pride themselves with their father’s glories

Tears filled my eyes

For my face drenched in pool of tears

And my mind enquire

‘’Where is your father’s glory’’

And how should I know

I am an out cast

Hated and despised by his own people

Like a stranger

Like an uninvited guest

Papa, come and wipe the tears on my face

                                 For your arm is all I crave for.                                  

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Emmanuel Nii-Ayi Solomon lives in Accra, Ghana and is a published poet. He believes most of the problem facing our world today can be solve by preaching the message of love. He has participated in several poetry reading events including performances at the National Theatre of Ghana. 

He works as a Tour Guide, Play Director and a Travel Sales Adviser. He is currently at work on his first novel.