We come from a small country called Togo.
We are the Ewe, the Kabye, the Mina, the Anago
Deep down, between these peoples, there is no distinction to show.
We are, in principle, all free and all equal.
But two things divide us: our ego
And the failure to share out our ingots fairly.
Some leaders take whole populations for fools
And suck them dry without a qualm, like hard candies.
Some set traps for others with con games.
Others still prefer to excel at gossip.
Are we governed by democrats or by demagogues?
Since we all belong to the same country, Togo,
We ought to stand by one another as in a marriage bond.
We of the diaspora, let us think of Togo.
On our country of origin, let us lay no embargo.
Today we are dragging behind like an escargot.
But we must work at becoming a plane that hauls cargo.
This calls, for one thing, for making real and lawful efforts.
Then, among ourselves, for not getting up on our high horse.
And finally, for not dragging our peers down into petty squabbles.
In this way we will make of Togo a viable country: a better Togo.
M. Z.
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