Fear Poem by Kenneth Maswabi

An ancient survival mechanism
Embedded into the medulla oblongata
To enhance one’s chance of survival
A paradox in this new millennium
A stumbling block in today’s competitive world
Or a self-preservation armor?
Ready to defend your pride with no contest
Making you abstain from any race with ease
To avoid any conflict at all costs

The spirit of fear is slithering through our streets
A contagious infection affecting our youth
Holding down their dreams
Suffocating their ambitions
Forcefully disrobing them of their novel ideas
In a state of exaggerated fear of the unknown
Our youth are frozen still
Their ideas buried in a casket of ice
Never to see daylight again
Fear rules with fear
Subjugating our youth
Condemning them to abject poverty
In a perpetual epidemic of fear