Written piece
Bloodline of Hope
Paulina Massaquoi
Sierra Leone
About this piece
This poem is a glimpse into Sierra Leone's inspiring history and beautiful culture. It represents a bloodline of hope spanning many generations, each facing unique challenges yet still holding on.
Bloodline of Hope
Our fathers were born with blood thicker than the waters of River Sewa.
A loyalty,
not just to what is, but to what is to come.
They held on
to giant chains
bound in ships that only taught them how to travel in pain.
They held on
to the blood stained Ronko
For sacrifice was every great warrior’s uniform.
They held on to their flag of green, white,
whilst drowning in the great, blue Atlantic.
They held on
to sweet bush meat, each bite like a taste of answered prayer.
They held on
to senseless hope,
watching their toddlers grope;
They hoped
that one day
their lineage will be threaded on…
A line of
contentment
taught us to shake the Shegbureh amidst economic crisis.
A line of resilience
taught us to push through the wreckage of the decade-long civil war.
A line of hard work
guided us to walk in the footprints of weather-beaten farmers.
A line of community
trained us to share the little we have in our pots.
A line of hope
passed down to the children
who have learnt to bleed
blood that is thicker than water,
blood that clings onto not just what is,
but what is to come.
A line
interwoven with coily hair, black skin, and traditions that remind us to live.
Our fathers were born with blood thicker than the waters of River Sewa
And so are we
No matter how far we go,
Flowing through our veins
is hope for tomorrow.
©️2026 Paulina Blessings Massaquoi