Men in Uniform

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What is
the occasion?
Men in uniform,
no question to ask,
no smile to wear,
like prisoners of consciousness.
Men in uniform
you emit
fear and uncertainty.
Are you
men of destiny?
Men in uniform
with necktie,
what is your intent?
Men in uniform,
standing so quiet
are you in fear and doubt?
Men in uniform,
are you aware?
There are
the two
wo (men)
hiding on the left
responding as usual
to stand and act
as an ornament.

© Lemlem Tsegaw, 12 October 2010

* Dedicated to 2010 parliament members in Ethiopia. Inspired by an article titled ‘New Government Surprises in First Week’, Addis Fortune, 10 October 2010.
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.