Ripples of Leopold’s Quota

In Congo’s heart, where the rivers flow,

Lies a tale of sorrow, of grief’s cruel blow.

Leopold’s quota, a dark decree,

Sent ripples through land, through time’s vast sea.

From distant shores, a king’s decree did sail, A greed-fueled quest, a brutal tale. Rubber harvest, the price to pay, Forced labor and anguish, day by day.

Men, women, children, toiled in despair, Under the Belgian king’s ruthless stare.

Their cries echoed through the lush green, As Leopold’s quota remained unseen.

The land once free, now shackled tight,

Injustice cast its shadow, dimming the light. Leopold’s greed, a poison seeped deep, leaving scars in Congo’s heart to keep.

But from the depths, a resilience rose,

In the face of oppression, courage chose. Voices raised, defiance in the air, Against the tyrant’s rule, they dared to dare.

So let us remember, with hearts unbowed, the ripples of history, both silent and loud.

In Congo’s story, lessons profound,

Of resilience, of justice, forever to resound.