This is a parody of Henry Barlow's 'Building the Nation'. <br /> <br />Like always I have done a lot <br />In building our nation. <br />Today I met US Secretary of State <br />In an important urgent function <br />And a lunch at the Vic. <br /> <br />The meals reflected our importance <br />Cold Bell beer and a small talk, <br />Then fried chicken with niceties <br />Wine to fill the moments of silence <br />We also had ice-cream over a few jokes <br />And coffee to keep us awake and lively. <br /> <br />The Secretary and I were driven back. <br />We might have yawned a few times in the back <br />And for I cared I asked my driver <br />Driver, my friend, had any lunch? <br />The ingrate replied looking straight ahead <br />Seemed to smile secretly <br />That he had not, but was slimming! <br /> <br />Upon which I took not lightly <br />For it is not easy building a nation <br />Mwananchi, we do a lot, I said, <br />Attending to matters of state, <br />Diplomatic duties are not easy you know. <br /> <br />And friends please give us a break, <br />You cause us stomach ulcers at times. <br />We don't build a nation with bricks, <br />Ah! the unfair criticism we get when building our nation! <br />Matter of fact I have ulcers! <br />Probably twice as painful as yours <br />Only mine are caused by matters <br />Of building this our nation! <br /> <br />So fellow nation builders <br />Let not the fellows be getting at you <br />Our nation is more than us. <br />It's all about building our nation – <br />– By all possible means.<br /><br />Kimani wa Mumbi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/building-our-nation/
