Not in deities
of my Ojoto koradji
but in sieges
of my burrowed civility
the snake
a metaphor
wriggles in an eastern dance
my ancestry
my code
lineal umbilical cord
Not in constant rosary
of our daily hustles
but in patterned livelihoods
of our distorted history
potent in songs of sorrow
of my country's apparel
that the eke ogba
discordant
in slippery steps
ballet in adagio
resides in thievery
one beckons on others
Not in crotchet notes
of stolen cries
but in weakling of errors
character of comedy
comedy of values
that the bullet
permeates every membrane
spiraling in all directions
drugged drudgery in doggedness
Not in stolen kisses
of lovers in Cupid embrace
not in dotted lines
of romantic lexicons
porous as the heart may be
guilty as may be charged
by Pontius Pilate
not there
Not in majestic palace
pandemic residented
regimented in daily struggles
but in our responses to it
in our attitude confronting it
stubborn refinery
unbecoming
in the going and coming
this too shall pass
We are a nation of pythons
dancing in all directions
backing bags of potent poison
where we pass become impassable
what we touch untouchable
each generation a steep descent
none aiming for the skies
bullet and bullets
in volley of shots
hearts on the darts
aim once down all
begin a new
renaissance
-
Author:
Ifeanyichukwu Onwughalu (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: October 18th, 2020 02:28
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 34
Offline)
Comments1
Nigeria is not alone in need of unified rebirth, but it certainly is near the top of the list. I am not sure I understand many elements of this passionate and compelling poem, but I certainly feel the pain and the tension between hope and despair. I recall reading of Python Dance 3, but feared it would end in more massacres than rescues, more resentment than relief. If I understand your poem at all, you have grave reservations. I hope you are well, as I appreciate your fresh contributions to My Poetic Side.
Dear Jarcher,
I am well certainly!
It is absolutely delightful reading your commentary of my poem and completely at home with the sentiments of despair expressed.
I remain hopeful nonetheless: many thanks to the youthful uprising in the form of #EndSARS that is now gaining global traction.
We keep it alive!
Thank you.
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