Poetry Contest: Second Place
The Forgotten We killed and fought and died for you, Yet an unmarked mass grave is the best that you can do To commemorate those who died during the Great War. From Africa, our participation was core To your victory. Yet, who knows about us? Our sacrifice, you never discuss. Shiny statues and parks and gardens and more European recognition for the fallen soldiers, animals, and people galore. Where are our memorials for the dead? Why are there only 3 statues for our African brothers who bled? Is it because we are savages who cannot appreciate art, Or is it because those who are not white are not smart? Were the monuments built for white WWI fighters a waste of public means? Or is systemic racism just a part of government routines? African soldiers during the Great War remain forgotten in history And it is up to us to not let their sacrifice be a mystery. Do not forget the Tanzanian soldiers forced to kill family members for the Germans Based on borders that outsider Europeans came to determine. Do not forget the African soldiers who fought for Great Britain Whose pay was 1/3 of white soldiers due to racial discrimination. We killed and fought and died for you Yet unmarked mass graves are the best you can do.
— Maeve Tuohey
Georgetowner 2020
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