Black Attribute

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

Thanks for the acknowledgement

I know you mean well

You lost me at the

"You are a Black…"

Well, do you mean to

qualify my achievements

By the colour of my skin?

Don't get me wrong

I love the colour of my skin

It's the one I was born in

Then I did what it took

To achieve what I did

So I am held in equal esteem

Regardless of the skin I'm in

Black Box

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

Variations on black

Shades of brown

Traits abound

Reflecting all that's around

In the society I'm found

That's a big box to fit Black in

Loud & Clear

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

Loud ain't the same as strong

Quiet ain't the same as weak

Keep a watchful eye on me

Till it becomes clear to see

My work has a voice to speak

powered by who I am being

Do Double

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

I have heard it said

Work twice as hard

To be recognised

Shout twice as much

To be heard

Wave your hands

Twice as much

To be noticed

Transgress half as much

To be tolerated

D&I would have succeeded

When all are included

on a level playing field

Where the same effort

Carries the same reward

Black & Proud

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

I am black and proud

I am black and that is clear

I am proud like anyone here

This soul is not for hire

Name the fare

and it's still too high

To lose the claim

to my black pride

Weight Lifting

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

I walk into the room, see my shoulders droop

The trust of those who have gone before

The hope of those who are yet to come

What came in with you?

How do we even the score?

Soon I remember, see my wings move

Powered by the strength

Of those that have gone before

Inspired to open the doors

For those who are yet to come

How much longer will this endure?

Corridors Of Power

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

The pressure is mounting

Temperature is rising

Revenue is declining

Voices are agitating

The status quo needs evolving

Throw the dogs some bones

Display them in the shop window

Let them know, they matter so

Move the needle of public opinion

Back here in the corridors of power

We the few still hold the key

Shrouded in great mystery

Watching the money roll in