Hope Africa: An Anthology of Poems
Copyright © August 2009 by: Shalom Nwodo Chinedu
ISBN: 987-99919-310-2-9
Published in Nigeria by: Dof producing Nigeria
All rights reserved. No portion of the anthology may bereproduced
without a written permission of the copyright owner, except forbrief
excerpts in magazines, articles, reviews, etc.
For further enquiries, contact:
Dof producing Nigeria
92, Olateju Street, Mushin, P. O. Box 10266 Ikeja, Lagos,
Nigeria. Tel: +234-803-3308-891
OR
Shalom Nwodo Chinedu
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science &Technology
Covenant University, Canaanland, P. M. B. 1023 Ota, OgunState,
Nigeria. Tel: +234-802-8626-605, +234-806-5940-573
E-mail: [emailprotected],[emailprotected]
Cover Design: Karis Creations
Tel: +234-805-6225-159
To Chinwe, my Jewel,
For the friendship and fellowship,
And the magnified grace and glory!
CONTENTS
Foreword viiPreface ix
Part One (Hope Africa) 11-21My Africa, my dream 12God blessAfrica 13Hope Africa 14Pangs of royalty 15Arise Africa 16Be gladAfrica 17Hands of destiny 18Bright Africa 19Boomerang 20Stillbirth21
Part Two (Blow the Trumpet) 22-32Holy convocation 23Triune man24Harvest 25Little star 26Yuletide 27Blow the trumpet 28Let therebe no night 29Put laughter on 30Battle cry 31Breakthrough 32
v
Part Three (Tears of love) 33-45Living legend 34My heroine35Tears of love 36Creative episode 37Haven of bliss 39Wedding bells40Love lights 41Forbidden fruit 42Daily bread 43Before the eclipse44
Part Four (Prisoners of hope) 46-88Prisoners of hope 47Too late49Another slavery 50Comrades-in-arms 51Coup d’etat 52Spirit ofsolicitude 53Echoes of harmattan 54Offer them pity 55Parade ofinsanity 56The end 58
vi
FOREWORD
If literature is truly a reflection of life and the truth higherthan history,
then Shalom Nwodo Chinedu’s Hope Africa is a propheticannounce-
ment in the direction of current development paradigms for theconti-
nent that awaits exploration.
Apart from the series of poems in the first part of thecollection that
speak in invocations of the rising Africa, the greater part ofthis collec-
tion deliver messages of hope occurring as dabs of healing balm.Thus,
even when lines are dedicated to the restive Niger Delta, thereis the
urge to “bear the Excellency of the resilient dynasty”.
The organization of the collection explores the journey of theinner
mind. There are forty Poems arranged in four groups of ten, witheach
around a dominant theme. Part One presents “Hope Africa”, PartTwo
– “Blow the Trumpet”, Part Three – “Tears of Love” and Part Four–
“Prisoners of Hope”. While Part One celebrate the new found joythat
must resonate from the dark pages of African history, Part Twodigs
deep into the spiritual resource of that joy. In Part Three, thepoet
weaves messages of the filial love, celebrating his forebearsand his
partner in the divine assignment of extended creation. Like aconsum-
mate artist, he cobwebbed these lines to link the celestial,making the
Almighty the Master designer.
vii
The fourth part draws to a close this exploration. It is notcoincidentalthat this section x-rays such contemporary issues ascorruption, braindrain, inequality, banditry and organized crimes.Unlike a great deal ofhis kindred poets, Shalom Nwodo Chinedu didnot just stop at a paradeof evil, he also provided viablesolutions. For instance, in “Spirit ofSolicitude”, he urges us to“read and read until timidity rid… and / bythe verity of divinity,defeat / the spirit of solicitude.”
Shalom Nwodo Chinedu’s poetry is delivered in the language of ascien-
tist which is clinical and precise. His imagery appeals to allthe senses,
with the message emphasized at all levels.
While I congratulate Dr. Chinedu as a budding voice in Nigeriannew
poetry, I commend these invigorating lines for your readingpleasure.
You are welcome to a new genre of Poetry!
Charles Ogbulogo, Ph.D
Professor of English & Dean,
College of Human Development,
Covenant University
viii
PREFACE
Hope Africa (an anthology of poems) is specially dedicated toAfrican
renaissance! It shares the sentiments of the awakeningcontinent! The
poems are fresh and original. The verses seek to ignite the fireof
hope, the foremost requirement for a positive change. In HopeAfrica,
current of encouragement is employed to stir up the ambers ofhope.
Such virtues that bear on right attitude to life as self-esteem,confi-
dence, patience, prudence and love are presented withcaptivating
simplicity. There are also stirring commentaries on matters ofmorality,
destiny and identity, spiced up with emotive admonitions,enquiries and
entreaties. Without exception, anyone can dream a dream and“wake
up” to see it come true!
I acknowledge with gratitude my mentors and models whothrough
mighty words and great deeds stir my heart and steer mycourse
aright. I profoundly thank Professor Charles Ogbulogo foraccepting to
write a foreword for the anthology. My Jewel asked for thecompilation;
my friend, Isaiah Fortress, encouraged the publication and mybrother,
Dan Offor, packaged them together for your reading delight.
Keep your hope alive!
SHALOM NWODO CHINEDUAugust, 2009.
ix
“When hope becomes your companion, life begins
to deliver its best for you;
To be void of hope is to live in the grave”.
- Dr. David O. Oyedepo
In: Mystery of hope:
A teaching by Dr. David O. Oyedepo at Winners Chapel, Lagos.
31.12.98
X
1
H o p e A f r i c aH o p e A f r i c aH o p e A f r i c aH o p eA f r i c aH o p e A f r i c a____________________
My Africa, my dreamGod bless AfricaHope AfricaPangs ofroyaltyArise AfricaBe glad AfricaHands of destinyBrightAfricaBoomerangStillbirth
11
My Af r i ca , My Dream My Af r i ca , My Dream My Af r i ca ,My Dream My Af r i ca , My Dream My Af r i ca , My Dream
I saw Africa:Slurry, miry clay flowingThrough the potter’shands!I saw Africa in mould of life, form:A pot, burnt, sun-baked,strong...Treasure-full!
I saw Africa:Slimy, virile germ growingInside the holiestbowel!I saw Africa in womb of life, turn:A son, bruised, chastised,discreet...Born to rule!
And I saw a new solarium of life;And arrays of myriad stars,glowing,Lit-up the oceans of darkness!And I saw marshes, forests,deserts...Turn to gold!
This is Africa,My Africa, my dream!
12
God Bless Africa God Bless Africa God Bless Africa God BlessAfrica God Bless Africa
God bless Africa,Progenitor of my kind!By floods of loud,cascade showers,And storms of wild, saharan wind;Warm,scintillating sun-bathsCleanse her white-washed mind!
Fresh, regenerate, with dewOf new dawn onto the excellenceOfresplendent Day-star,Africa, Africa,My bright, sublime brideSmileto adorn her pride!
Pure, immaculate, with flairAnd ecstasy of floweryexuberance,Engraced by celestial embrace,Africa, Africa:My fertile,volatile virginErupt in fragrant renaissance!
God bless Africa,Pro-creator of mankind!
13
Hope Africa Hope Africa Hope Africa Hope Africa Hope Africa
Hope Africa,In dust, interred, out of sight!Hope Africa,Preciousseeds sown are shooting outTender buds!Sing Africa, sing atsun-set!Through the dusk and darkening shadows,Stars, bright, arerising...To guide the deepest night!
Hope Africa,In storm, battered by bouts of tempests!HopeAfrica,Heaven’s windows are open, pouring outBounteous graces!DanceAfrica, dance in the rain!Dance through the blitz and blares andhail;This isn’t the Noah’s flood...There’s a rainbow in theclouds!
Hope Africa,In pains, altered by sorrows of birth-pangs!HopeAfrica,Womb, full-grown, is pushing outDue glory!Travail Africa;travail and prevail!Through the blood and sweat and tears,Joys,joys, are bursting...With the dawning of a new day!
14
Pangs of Royalty Pangs of Royalty Pangs of Royalty Pangs ofRoyalty Pangs of Royalty
(Dedicated to the Niger Delta)
Hordes, self-seeking,Hordes, self-serving,Hordes, desecrating mymangrove altar,Drilling, spilling, stealing, killing...
Because I wear the bullion crown,Treasure, laid on Blackman’shead,So, I bear the pains and griefsAnd travail under the sunAs ifmy womb conceived the universeBy a holy intercourse!
Is this my lot?Portion partitioned, apportioned,Auctioned andsanctioned; darkenedBy dazzles of blazes!Is this my luck?Broodsrobbed, clubbed, ducked,Distorted, contorted and uncomforted!God,why me in a burning splendour,Gasping to cast out sorrows?
Bravo, bravo, troubled priestess:Dignity is come to birth!Wearyour strength O royal armada;Push, push and bear the ExcellencyOfthe resilient dynasty!
15
Arise Africa Arise Africa Arise Africa Arise Africa AriseAfrica
Arise Africa,Dawn is come to you! See,Warriors riding onchariots of splendour,Raise your flame!Awake, awake, O dryly bonesof giants,Leap out of the limbo of derision!Arise Africa,Garnishyour famished, desolate ghostsRoaming the earth without blood!
Great Africa,A new day is born to you! Hear,Minstrels returningwith the laurels of glory,Praise your name!Dance O kindred ofunyielding conquerors,Shake Kingly breasts!Let the flaming arrowsrend your horizonAnd rout the scary clouds!Arise Africa,Replenishyour ravished, deserted coastsGroaning in the agony ofmelancholy!
16
Be Glad, Africa Be Glad, Africa Be Glad, Africa Be Glad, AfricaBe Glad, Africa
Be glad Africa,Woman, dark and comely.Be glad sister, sun smiledon you!See, you bear the colour of fertility,Of ground,blessed,Bringing forth herbs and trees!
O, would GodI bear the colours of rainbow...
Why Africa,Woman, strong and lively?Rainbow shuts heaven’sbowelsAnd mops the earth with drought!Remember Adam’s white-rib?Sheflirted and birthed man’s frailty,The ground, accursed,Springing upbriers and thistles!
Be glad Africa,Woman, whole and homely.Be glad sister, sunsmiled on you!You bear the colour of fidelity!
17
Hands of Destiny Hands of Destiny Hands of Destiny Hands ofDestiny Hands of Destiny
(Dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.)
Lord, I’m grateful.Through severed kinship and severehardship,Strength waxed; though I’m no better!My siblings were sowninto burning sands; yet,The finest seeds, watered by showers ofanguish,Couldn’t open the desert’s womb!My kind were thrown intochurning seas; yet,The flawless kids, offered to angeredmermaids,Couldn’t calm the raging waves!Though tossed and tossed,we crossedAnd stripped and stooped to till the cold fieldsUntilfreedom came and beckoned on us!Why mock the sacred scrolls ofliberty,And bundle a free nation into segregations?
Lord, I’m grateful.Through the unveiled travesty and vilestcruelty,Grace surged; though I’m not saintly!What’s the King’sdream?Can showers of love relieve the embittered bloodCrying outfor vengeance?Can rivers of joy revive the witheredbrotherhood,Dried from roots, and bud a holy languageOut of cloventongues of Babel?“Hush, hush, O ship steered by hands ofdestiny”“Hush,” the little voice whispered.“Your humbled identityengendered posterity;Your trampled dignity tended prosperity!”
18
Bright Africa Bright Africa Bright Africa Bright Africa BrightAfrica
Africa, bright Africa.Africa of crystal daysprings and festalnights!Africa of celestial glory and paradisal delights!
Africa, bright Africa,Africa of the woods and gold of loftycastles;Africa of the crafts and gods of ivory towers;Africa of theores and coals of royal conquests;Africa of the blood and soul ofholy prowess;Africa, the cradle and curator of lively cultures!
Yoked, she bowed the aching shoulders;Africa bowed the shouldersand straightenedHer back for burdens of freedom!Poked, she shovedaway the aged feathers;Africa shoved the feathers and toughenedHerwings for the flights of destiny!Africa, on eagle’s flight byheaven’s light!
Where is the Dark continent?Western noon was her midnight,AndEastern dawn, her twilight!
19
Boomerang Boomerang Boomerang Boomerang Boomerang
When Africa, proud Africa, sang aloudAnd danced in the sun,Theywondered and wandered about,And raced to the moon!Where wasmorality when they strippedAnd raped Africa, virgin Africa,In ablitz of banditry?
Mulattoes, tan yourselves; boilO Afro-blood mingled withvinegar, boil,Sauté the hypocrites, who load our guns,Preaching:“son, love thy neighbour!”Negroes, bleach out yourselves; smokeOAfro-power purged with fire, smoke,Burn the mongers, who bite ournipples,Asking: “baby, what aileth thee?”Boomerang!Boomerang!Casanovas, burst out...O Afro-stars, explode, dazzle thesky;Stun the robbers, who usurp our thrones,Shouting: “liberty,democracy...”
Dry your tears, Africa. Weep no more!Seeds, dispersed, willreturn with sheaves;Brothers, divided, will hug one another;Bylove, renewed, sharing the good news:“The sun is risen, again!”
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Stil lbirth Stillbirth Stillbirth Stillbirth Stillbirth
Horns, high and mighty, rage;Assaults neither assuage norstill!Bruised, reduced, Africa bows!
Herbs, sour and bitter, engage;Wounds neither soothe norheal!Sick and weak, Africa vows!
And bees hum the song of democracyAnd humble blossoms withstingy slavo-cracy:Jazz of emasculation, pipes ofpauperization,Orchestra of deprivations, lyrics of mastery;Westernhealth and wealth swell!
And foxes beat the gong of democracyAnd hit buffaloes intofrenzied mobo-cracy:Carnivals of destruction, festivals ofrevolution,Regatta of lamentations, rhythm of misery;Africa’s birthand death embrace!
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2
Blow The T rumpetBlow The T rumpetBlow The T rumpetBlow The TrumpetBlow The T rumpet______________________________
Holy convocationTriune manHarvest is hereLittle starYuletideBlowyour trumpetLet there be no nightPut laughter onBattlecryBreakthrough
22
Holy Convocation Holy Convocation Holy Convocation HolyConvocation Holy Convocation
The shell is broken,Torn by forces of metamorphosis!The young issurrendered to end the longSolitary siege and sedentaryoccupation!Eaglets are tokens of triumph,Born with rudiments ofgreatness! Yet,They yawn, beckoning for crumbs,Mouths,wide-open!
The dame has stirred her nest!Broods are awakened; one byone,Borne through the harshest tempests,Wings tempered for winds oflife.Eagles are made! They soar, sun-faced,Mounting storms onto themountains of prey!And by blood and fats of carcasses,And honeysuckled from ancient rocks,The eagles gather, in holyconvocation,Eyes, wide-open!
23
Tr iune Man Tr iune Man Tr iune Man Tr iune Man Tr iune Man
God is gracious to you.Thrice,Trinity laboured to birthyou,Triune:Spirit, free,In His essence, created;Body, prepared,InHis hands formed;Soul, alive,By His breath made!
God,Triune...In earthen-ware, crowned,Lord O’er earth, sky andsea!In His presence, liveO man,Wonder, born to ruleThree worlds!Godis gracious to you.
24
A Little Star A Little Star A Little Star A Little Star A LittleStar
Stand astride,Swing and swing;Throw your icons up, above!Whoknows?A star may hang in the sky!
Sun at even’nBows to sleep;And moon, even a crescent,May notshow-up,As shadows tall and black...
Stand astride,Swing and swing;Throw your icons up, above!Just alittle star, aglow,May ignite your darkest night!
26
Harvest Is Here Harvest Is Here Harvest Is Here Harvest Is HereHarvest Is Here
Sun is sweet!May he meet you, everDiscreet,Reaping your ownfields!Harvest is here, my Angel:A little thought, a littlework,Your basket full to brim!
Moon is a cheat!May she greet you, neverIn the streetsLeapingout of your shield!Rust is there O my Jewel:A little talk, a littlewalk,Your lustre dull and dim!
25
Yuletide Yuletide Yuletide Yuletide Yuletide
Joy is descending,Joy of Yuletide!Balloons are ascending,touching the sky!Joy is descending,Joy of yuletide!Blossoms arespewing sweet odours,Adorning the gardens,Glowing in colours ofChristmas!
Joy is descending,Joy of Yuletide!Praises are ascending,swelling the clouds,Distending the sky,Bursting into showers ofblessings...It’s yuletide:Heaven is descending to wash the earthIncolourless splash of white Christmas!
Ascend, asend, O breath-filled mortals,Let flying colours fillthe sky:Red and blue, yellow and brown,White and black...Up, tosalute the Yuletide!
27
Blow the Trumpet Blow the Trumpet Blow the Trumpet Blow theTrumpet Blow the Trumpet
The night awaits your light,Stars of black-hole,Locked in hadesof obscurity!Arise, smile; show the lightAnd the sky will laughAndlit the earth!
The world awaits your word,Gods, in earthen pots,Reckoned asdusts of earth!Arise, speak; utter the wordAnd heaven will shoutAndstamp his feet!
The lowly awaits your glory,Saviours on holy ground,Groaningwith pains of child-birth!Arise, sing; blow the trumpetAnd God willriseAnd dance to tune!
28
Let There Be No Night Let There Be No Night Let There Be NoNight Let There Be No Night Let There Be No Night
In the night,In the middle of a dream, I screamed...
In the night,Black shields quenched the arrows of lightAnd darkhorns grew, and gored the skies,And stars fell into the abyss ofdarkness!And I wept and wept in the night...Night is anightmare!Lord, let there be no night!
In the night,Men comatose lie and commonsense die;In thenight,Princes drowse hiss until conscience cease;In the night,Godscall at the throes of death and fallInto dusts and ashes!
In the night,Cold showers drench the billows of delight,Thornsof sorrow bore through the heart,And eyes swelled with rivers ofsadness!And I wept and wept in the night...Night is death; death isnight!O Lord, let there be no night!
Awake O my soul, awake with the sun!Night is death; let there beno night!
29
Put Laughter On Put Laughter On Put Laughter On Put Laughter OnPut Laughter On
Arise, put laughter on!
When life’s tests put you down,Arise and put your laughteron:Laugh, free your soul from hell!Sorrow aborts tomorrow,Heavinessgenders quietude;Solitary, silent,Life becomes a shadow ofdeath!
Arise, put laughter on!When life’s quests put you down,Arise andput your laughter on:Laugh, shake yourself out of dust!Pressuresburst the future,Worries hinder the journey;Still, motionless,Lifebecomes a burden of earth!
Arise, put laughter on!Laugh and light up your world;Life’s butan outburst of joy!
30
Breakthrough Breakthrough Breakthrough BreakthroughBreakthrough
Lift up your handsO earth;Take away the burdensHeaped on me!Whyis a choice seedBuried, rotting away?How long, how long,Oheaven?Come, smile on me!
Lift up your head,O blade!Breakthrough, breakthrough;Leap out ofthe earthHeaped on you!Then, heaven will smile,And come with dewand rain,And splendour,Till fruits abound,And choice seedmultiply!
31
Battle Cry Battle Cry Battle Cry Battle Cry Battle Cry
Like waters of flowing streamsGone by,Yesterday passed away.Lether rest in peace!Today is come to soundThe battle cryAgainst yourdreams of ease!
Son, war is on!Adversaries lurk in shadows receding:Crueltiesretreating to return at dusk,In full armour of darkness,To smitewith the might of night!
Arise, draw the sword at dawn,And fight with the strength oflight!Let sun and moon stand-still,Till lights guide your warriorsright;Foes avowed, all, vanquished!
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3
Tears o f LoveTears o f LoveTears o f LoveTears o f LoveTears of Love__________________
Living legendMy heroineTears of loveCreative episodeHaven ofblissWedding bellsLove lightsForbidden fruitDaily breadBefore theeclipse
33
Living Legend Living Legend Living Legend Living Legend LivingLegend
(Tribute to a Patriarch)
Before the harvest, seeds fall...In the soil, soiled,They shedencapsulating coatsAnd rise to live a thousand-fold,In corruptibleearth,Incorruptible!And seeds become trees,And forests, andgardens...
Before the morning, men fall...In love, deep,They escape theentrapment of selfAnd rise to live a thousand ages,In mortalhearts,Immortal!And men become heroes,And gods, and legends...
Only fools die!The wise fall to rise,Tall, wide,multiplied!Cheerio, cheerio, Okorie:You are my hero!Only foolsdie...Legends live forever!
34
My Heroine My Heroine My Heroine My Heroine My Heroine
(To Mother Philomena)
Mama, my heroine;Engraft-branch of the holy pedigree,Of majesty,full of graces!
Spread forth O fruitful bough;Spread forth the perfumed palmsOfsun-burst flora till caressing blazesTone your fruits to fullestperfectionAnd the tenderest, ripest of all,Kiss the breeze insalient bliss and fallFor the generation next!
35
Tears of Love Tears of Love Tears of Love Tears of Love Tears ofLove
(A song for my Jewel)
Tears of joy,Tears of fulfillment,Streams of the sweetoverflowOf dreams come true!
Baby, you’re bornTo turn my dreams into deedsBy the labours oflove,Love shining in tears -In tears of hope,In tears ofcommitment,Joys and pains,Mingling together, overflowing,Billow inceaseless ecstasy!
Cry, baby cry,Dry not the tears -The tears of love,The tears ofloyalty;Streams of the soul, overflowingTo prove truedreams!Because of the holy vow,We’ll live wholly, one foranother:Hearts flowing, eyes glowing,In wonder of love!
36
Creative Episode Creative Episode Creative Episode CreativeEpisode Creative Episode
In the beginning,Earth was dark and void, without form...TheSpirit moved and God said:“Let there be...”And light fell and nightfled;Heavens ascended and seas descended;Earth brought forth herbsand trees;Waters bred fishes and spewed fowls;Ground vomited cattleand every beast,And Adam came to tend and defend!
If nights are void of moon and starsAnd darkness descends tobury our form;If mountains are bare and valleys dryAnd empty windsroar like a mighty sea;Remember: In the beginning,Earth was darkand void, without form...Remember this and hold your peace,And movethe Spirit with faith of God;Say: “Let there be...”And there willbe!For life is a creative episode,Sabbath comes after the sixthday!
37
Haven of Bliss Haven of Bliss Haven of Bliss Haven of BlissHaven of Bliss
Heaven, the haven of bliss;Are you a figment of the fallowmindIllusioned segments hallow too wide?
Wide and wild, the skies unfold;Discrete phases of endlessspace,Of cosmos, laced with worlds untold!O constellations ofbrilliant stars,Why say of the way to bliss:“Heaven and heavenalone can tell!”
Tell me now, O true blue;Here I am, staring at the starryskies:Where are you, haven of bliss?
38
Wedding Bel lsWedding Bel lsWedding Bel lsWedding Bel lsWeddingBel ls
We’ll wed in Eden,In the garden of delights!We’ll wed in Eden,Inthe citadel of lights!
Sun will hug dew-clothed fieldsAnd feed tenderly waving budsWithsweet, refreshing kisses!Moon will lead a processionOf bridal trainof myriad starsO’er lands of gold, bdellium, onyx...Birds will singthe union’s anthem,Beasts cheering, trees clapping,Fishes flappingsilvery palms...
And Heaven will rejoiceAnd join us in holy matrimony!And joyswill rend the skyAnd tear the mountains down,And earth’s burdenwill roll...Into the sea!
39
Love-Lights Love-Lights Love-Lights Love-Lights Love-Lights
As I looked into your eyes, meteorsShot through the sky’ssymmetry!Sparkles of love glowed and ignitedThe black-hole ofAdam’s creativity!
As I looked into your eyes, Orion,Knit together, in a celestialartistry,Illumined the beacon of endless love -Northern star in agalaxy of fluidity!
As I looked into your eyes, the sunRose to unveil the sacredmysteriesOf perpetual love, of the Day-starDazzling the firmamentfor eternity!
40
Forbidden FruitForbidden FruitForbidden FruitForbiddenFruitForbidden Fruit
Like a cap, neatly fit,Heaven and earth meet and knit togetherAtthe farthest horizon!Like soul-mates, so intimate,Sun and moonclick and stick togetherIn full eclipse!Like the newlywed, unitedby holy desire,Rivers and oceans kiss and mix togetherIn deep bluesea!
But Ada and I are kins, nearerThan twins in the womb, boundtogetherBy the bonds of blood!Here, dogmas and taboos holdsway:Legions of contradictions that turn hearts awayFrom love, sodear!Else, why is the fruit, so near,Forbidden, except for thestranger far awayFrom the family tree?
41
Daily Bread Daily Bread Daily Bread Daily Bread Daily Bread
God be with youAs you stand before the juryOf prospectivebosses,Tossing minds about, to findCulprits who match paperclaims,To convict for bread!
God be with youTo justify your humble looks,And rectify yourtensed-up nerves,And electrify you brain-cells,Tinkling, linkingthoughts together,To prove your worth!
God be with youAnd give you this dayYour daily bread!
42
Before The Eclipse Before The Eclipse Before The Eclipse BeforeThe Eclipse Before The Eclipse
This is a letter to my father.
Today, I find courage to write to youA letter from the heart ofmy soul...I find the courage because termitesHave eaten up yourrod,The rod whose strokes made me cry,The cry of a beloved son,Theson you gave your father’s name!
O why, why didn’t I find the courageWhen we walked together,hand in hand,By moonlight,In the night,Before my day broke intomourning!
Father,I remember you:I remember those arms that held me upAndmade me sit on shoulders to see further;I remember those eyes thatled me aboutAnd followed me to guide my faltering steps;I rememberthose ears that heard me alwaysAnd listened to the sweet harmony ofmy cries!
Today, I remember you...And upon the altar of your rest,I lay myfirst, my best;The son to give your name!
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But why, why are we born?Are we like breaths, mere puffs ofsmokeGoing up in circuits, trailing one another’s tail,Without atrail on the shores of life?Are we like wagers, mere pawns in alawn,Born for a sacrifice, the sacrificeThat breaks the day intomourning?
This is a prayer of inquiry,A plea from the heart of mysoul...Father, why are we born?Tell me, tell me, before theeclipseSink earth into darkness,And men, hanging between twoworlds,Behold children beckoning for tales,Tales by moonlight,Taleswhich none can tell,Before the day breaks into mourning!
44
4
Pr i sone r s o f HopePr i sone r s o f HopePr i sone r s o fHopePr i sone r s o f HopePr i sone r s o fHope__________________________
Prisoners of hopeToo lateAnother slaveryComrades-in-armsCoupd’etatSpirit of solicitudeEchoes of harmattanOffer them pityParadeof insanityThe end
45
Prisoners of HopePrisoners of HopePrisoners of HopePrisoners ofHopePrisoners of Hope
The prisoners are not only those who pine awayIn caves ofdepravity.Bandits, awaiting bail or jail, and convictsGagged bysolitude and servitude, soon offsetTheir offences or scale theprison fences!
The prisoners are not only those who pant aloudIn captivity ofduty:Soldiers rumble in lion’s den!Workers are humbled withdonkey’s burden!Police wiggle around the vulture’s carrions!Warderswriggle in holes with snakes and scorpions!The regimentals, cagedby powers of wages,Segregated in wards for rewards, soon ageOut ofuse and turn to refuse!
The prisoners are not only those who fret aboutIn dungeons offate:Majesties, held by ardour of despoiled nuggets,Bang royalhearts on ivory thrones!Masses, hemmed in squalor of night-soilmaggots,fa*g loyal heads in sorry ghettoes!Clerics, hedged byglamour of cosmetic piety,Ring regal tones in comely domes!Jurists,wedged by clamour for cosmic equity,Swing legal scales in solemnsilence!The sentimentals, tied with fetters of honour,Variegated byrobes and codes, soon roostIn the vintage of madness orrecompense!
46
Chance or charter, choice or nessesity,We pine.We all pineaway,By creed and greed and need,In dreary gaols for sundrygoals!
Prisoners through and through,Gagged by magnetism ofindulgence,Caged by ostracism of prejudice,Held by egoism ofprovidence,Hemmed in ostrichism of indifference,Hedged by fatalismof ignorance,Wedged by spiritism of solicitude!
Hear O prisoners of hope,Hear the blood of sacrifice cry:Goforth! Spread out!
47
Too LateToo LateToo LateToo LateToo Late
My breath flowed with songs...Beckoning on you! My lungsbubbledUntil they ruptured and melodies ceased!My hands spread out,wide open...Waiting for you! My arms stretchedUntil they stiffenedand withered away!My heart erupted like a spring, flowing...Flowingto you! My breasts throbbedUntil they sagged and desires died!Andmy eyes streamed and streamed,Rolling for you! Emotive riverssurgedUntil the fountains shrank and dried up!Too late!A mother’stenderest love is wasted,On broods, spoilt and estranged:Waywards,outlawed,Who know neither shame nor pain!
Hope has played her tricks on me!Now, at twiilight, what’s lifeworth?Worthy sons bear their father’s name,But ears that hear not,soon joinThe severed head in a dance of shame!Alas, who can breathefree airWhen spewed ghosts roam the streetsAnd vultures and hordesof flies feastOn cadavers, bloated, dismembered:Bywords,outcasts,Who know neither shame nor pain!
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Another Slavery Another Slavery Another Slavery Another SlaveryAnother Slavery
We danced with the steps of libertyWhen our sons conqueredWhiteman’s prideAnd returned with captured virgins!Our daughtersadorned the royal beadsAnd sang to receive their grooms!But soon,the world turned,And our princes eloped to become eunuchsFor haremsof exhausted concubines!How I weep for the loyal brides,Pinningaway in a strange widowhood,For the estranged manhood!
The world has turned again.Our princesses, debased, are comingbackWith contempt and ailments and laments!With penance andprayers, they entreatFor wombs bereaved of nations, unborn!How theywater our altars with tears,The tears of embittered whor*dom,Thewhor*dom of an impetuous generation,The generation of desperadoesgone, unsung!
O dear, what’s the destinationOf a world turning round andround?
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Comrades -In -Arms Comrades -In -Arms Comrades -In -ArmsComrades -In -Arms Comrades -In -Arms
The comrades are armedTo trade skills and schemes!Hand in hand,join together,They showcase our stuff!
Comrades who rob with pen,Extol our brain-power:The chiefs, werobe and red-cap,And turban with eagle feathers!
Comrades who shoot and loot,Display our bravery:The thieves, werevere and praise,And bow to save our souls!
Comrades who cat-walk, naked,Parade our charm:The queen, we hailand cheer,And crown to sell our pride!
We are the comrades:Comrades-in-arm; armed to aid,And kill, ininstant or installments!Hand in hand, join together,We showcase ourstuff!
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Coup Coup Coup Coup Coup D’étatD’étatD’étatD’étatD’état
The lords are gone with slavery.Servants have become themasters,Feigning to serve!Men who forsook their farms are theHonourables,Harvesting fellowmen’s sweat;Women who scorn motherhoodare the ladies,Swearing to cover their age!
All went well,All savouring the euphoria of freedom,Untilvaliant guards rose to froze the rowdy partiesAnd zombies came outof shoel, marching...Deaf! Dumb! Dim! Deadly!Afro-mania: an evilgenius is commandingThe sacred order of lunatics!
God save my soul!Witches may protect the egg-heads,prostrate,Licking bloodied boots!Eagles may flee to bewail thetigers of NigerLearning to pray behind the bar,But home is sweet:Soja go, Soja come!
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Spirit of Solicitude Spirit of Solicitude Spirit of SolicitudeSpirit of Solicitude Spirit of Solicitude
Though searing beats raze the earthWith charring heat;Thoughblinding blitz daze the heartWith shimmering pangs;A blaze of faithwill erase our fears!
Though lofty mountains crumbleAnd tumble into the vale;Thoughsilent fountains rumbleAnd fumble in the dale;A ray of hope willdry our tears!
To drown in eerie floods: ne’er!The torrents may twitch theearth;The currents may bewitch the heart;Timorous devvel and soretravailsOf multitudes, multitudes,In the valley of solicitude!
Awake O sleeping god:Read and read till timidity rid,Mindmended, captivity ended,And by verity of divinity, defeatThe spiritof solicitude!
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Offer Them Pity Offer Them Pity Offer Them Pity Offer Them PityOffer Them Pity
Their enmityMay shock our simplicity;The wanton cannonsMay rockour serenity;Yet, we’ll offer them pity!Their falsityMay bewitchour sincerity;The rude vulgarityMay breach our civility,Yet, we’lloffer them pity!
Though imbecilesGrip imperialism and rip veracityTo malign ourdignity,We’ll offer them pity!
We’ll offer them big names:Hippopotamus! Hippopocampus!Else, wepitilessly offer to them:An incense to silence immunityAnd diseasethe religiosity of felicity,And humanity seethe in frenziedbellicosity,With the ferocity of Armageddon!
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Echoes of harmattan Echoes of harmattan Echoes of harmattanEchoes of harmattan Echoes of harmattan
Wind is blowing; wind of harmattan;Wind, blowing to show fowl’srump!The wind is blowing cold and dry!I can hear the desertstorm:Whirlwind of fiery trials,Sweeping health and wealth!
Rain is falling; rain of harmattan;Rain, falling to reveal thevulture’s form!The rain is pouring down and down!I can touch thedusty showers:Torrents of clattering tongues,Blasting heaven andearth!
Fire is burning; fire of harmattan;Fire, burning to sweepgrass-cutter’s backyard!The fire is burning hot and red!I can feelthe blazing flame:Wild-fire of virulent thoughts,Wrecking homes andhopes!
Harmattan, harmattan!Scaly, scary harmattan!Harmattan, biting tomark the pink lady’s age!The blade is cutting deep and deep!I cansee the claws of the fiery beast:Fangs of vengeful acts,Tearingflesh and bones!
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Parade of InsanityParade of InsanityParade of InsanityParade ofInsanityParade of Insanity
ISoldier: Captured rouges on parade,
Ready for inspection, sir!Bloody rapists: drilled andstilled,Insanity suspended!
General: (Nods his approval. Inspects the parade)Bastards!Dullards! Insanity!Parade dismiss!
Soldier:Atee...nshon! By the left quick march,Left! Right! Left!Right...To the Abattoir, forward march!Left! Right! Left!Right!
(Returns alone)Insanity dismissed, summarily dismissed, sir!
General: (Nods. Smiles)Good boy, one more peep!
IISoldier: Renegade zombies on parade,
Ready for inspection, sir!Bloody coupists: softened andsmoothened,Insanity suspected!
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General: (Head-toss. Inspects the parade)Traitors! Saboteurs!Mutiny!Parade dismiss!
Soldier:Atee...nshon! By the left quick march,Left! Right! Left!Right!...To the psychiatry, forward march!Left! Right! Left!Right!
(Returns with the group)Insanity confirmed, Sir,Awaiting yourorders!
General: (Grins. Thunders in rage)Enough is enough! Shoot!
Soldier: Yes, sir!(Positions to shoot; heavens thunderedandearth shook and shook, and Generalfell down and died)
Soldier: Ah... Insanity is dead!
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The End The End The End The End The End
When the fathers returnTo see their remains amongst us,They’llfind no trace!Chicks, their wings sheltered, are thevulturesHovering o’er men;Lambs, their arms tended, are thewolvesRoving around pens;Dogs, their meal-crumbs fed, are thelionsRoaring in dens!
They’ll not see the diamond wreaths laidOn beautifulrainbow-painted mausoleumsOr smell sweet odours pouredthereon!Preyed upon, they’ll cry and descendTo bind us with nograce!And fathers will abhor their children,The children who devourtheir world;And the world will detour into oblivion,And end!
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“Freedom is the discovery of your true self: self-worth,value
and self-esteem”
- Dr. Myles Monroe
In: The Burden of Freedom
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