Corruption's Veil | Andrew Bugembe

In shadows cast by deeds concealed,
Where morals yield to greed's appeal,
Corrupt officials, with hearts of stone,
In halls of power, they've made their throne.

They wear a cloak of false virtue's guise,
But beneath it lies a web of lies.
Their pockets bulge with ill-gained gold,
While justice's story remains untold.

Like vultures circling in the skies,
They prey on trust with cunning eyes.
Innocence, they artfully deceive,
A web of deceit, they deftly weave.

Their promises, like mirages, gleam,
Yet reality's not as it may seem.
They sell the dream of a brighter dawn,
But their path leads to a future forlorn.

With silver tongues, they spin their tale,
But in their hearts, corruption prevails.
Like serpents slithering through the night,
They twist the truth, hidden from sight.

In allegory's dance, they waltz and sway,
Their moral compass led astray.
The ship of state, on treacherous seas,
With corrupt officials, there's no release.

Oh, Lady Justice, with blinded eyes,
Your scales they tip with sordid lies.
In the realm of power, they've taken root,
Their avarice and greed bear bitter fruit.

But let us not despair, for in the light,
The truth shall shine, dispelling night.
With courage, unity, and voices raised,
We'll expose their deeds, their web unfazed.

For in the end, as history's shown,
The seeds of corruption are overthrown.
In the hearts of the just, a fire burns bright,
To reclaim the realm from corruption's blight.

So, let us stand against this tide,
With words and actions, side by side.
Expose the corrupt, let justice prevail,
In the land of truth, let right set sail.

Andrew Bugembe

Poet's note: The poem, titled is written during a period of heightened public awareness and concern about corruption in government and leadership in Africa. It is penned as a reflection on the pervasiveness and detrimental effects of corruption with in the African societies, and it is intended for a general audience to provoke thought and discussion about this critical issue. The poem is aimed at conveying a sense of outrage and condemnation towards corrupt officials and their actions. It sought to depict them as individuals who exploit their positions of power and trust for personal gain, ultimately at the expense of the public they are meant to serve. The poem uses various literary devices such as imagery, satire, allegory, and metaphors to create a vivid and impactful portrayal of corruption. To me, this poem represents a call for transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. It underscores the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions and serves as a reminder that the fight against corruption is an ongoing and collective endeavor.