INSPIRATIONAL: "WHAT CAN’T WE?" BY PROFESSOR KHALID

We who survived

the days our tears flooded ships,

the nights our hands wore chains,

we who lived side by side with pain;

and still survived; what can’t we?

We who lived through days

when things were tense, before shots,

and still lived to tell another day,

to remind the sun to rise again,

to teach the earth how to heal;

what can’t we?

We who were made to crawl,

our legs clipped with chains,

like birds meant for sacrifice,

and walked through fire barefoot

till we made it home; what can’t we?

We who fed on hope when no bread,

no rice, no meat was made for us,

we who turned scars into stories

that we tell with pride today;

what can’t we?

We who lived when life said no,

and when they refused to let go,

we who smiled even when beaten;

if we could survive when broken,

what can’t we become?

©️ PROFESSOR SULAIMON KHALID

-Nigeria

This poem's a powerful testament to resilience, weaving vivid images of historical trauma ("tears flooded ships", "hands wore chains") with themes of survival and hope. The repetitive "what can’t we?" emphasizes boundless potential despite hardships. The poet transforms pain into pride ("turned scars into stories"), evoking emotions and motivating readers to tap into inner strength. The tone's empowering, suggesting that past struggles fuel present capability.