The archive Hymn to the Ancient City of Benin Poem by Jacob Obaseki · 1970 Hail renowned City, who with deed surpassed allSo countless warriors defeated, before the City to fallAmidst Afric race, fearless heroes produceIn every combat, shame to opponents reduceStill envied remains, but to the glory of pastPound still are gods, who lots […]
The archive Motive Poem by O. Wonodi · 1970 MOTIVE the doors are open all dayyou may climb in at nightthrough the window whenthe night-watch is asleep you may walk in by the doorat noon when the shopkeeperis smiling to customers andplain-clothes watch your moves the doors are open all dayand whether you enter at […]
The archive Desire Poem by C. ’Tunde Ladipo · 1970 DESIRE I desire not to be poorNor hope to be richBut in all my endeavourLet me be pleased What I desire mostIs to know the lawNot regarding it as a jokeBut embracing it with love. C. ’Tunde Ladipo EDITOR’S NOTESource: Archiving (Nigeria Magazine, Sunday, March […]
MAN OF WORDS They give nightmares, man of wordsThings you do with bales of wordsLying pompous in lairs of thine condomAnd for the boldness of thine schemesWe survive on those crumbs of powerThe extravagance from thy worddom Hyeladzira A. B. Shaffa EDITOR’S NOTE First published in Citizen on Monday, 24 August 1992, as part of […]
The archive Towncrier Poem by ’Dile Ogundimu · 1970 TOWNCRIER Crier that i amrailing the primeand cursing the ultimatei stand like pebblesitting on the carpet of the oceanwashed and littled bythe brush of the current. i sink to rise and riseto sink wailing for allbut hushed by themfor whom i plaintcrier that i ammy cries […]
The archive Rebirth Poem by Usiobaifo Eweka · 1970 REBIRTH When night comes,Though some plyIt’s giddy heightsOthers their headsLaid to restTo be rebornOn the morrowFresh with ardourStrong for a new day;With sinew brightAnd ardour strongThe new day is embraced. Usiobaifo Eweka EDITOR’S NOTESource: Archiving (Nigeria Magazine, Sunday, March 1, 1970).
The archive Farewell to My Kingdom, or a King’s Lamentation Poem by Jacob E. Obaseki · 1970 FAREWELL TO MY KINGDOMorA KING’S LAMENTATION Of once renowned ruling ancestors bornSo early forested great race of Glory to runLate to me revealed by that aging sageSoon born, soon by uncles engageBut enviable crown of Kingship was in […]
Submitted poem Evening Song Poem by Kwame Dawes and Gwyneth Dawes · 2026 EVENING SONG My heart is closest to youin this bright hourof eveningMy heart rememberspulling streamers of laughterthrough sorrowsUntil I know I see youwhirled above hard siltentwining me with God * EDITOR’S NOTE Source: ArchiviNG (Nigeria Magazine, 1 January 1987). The source lists […]
Submitted poem Morning Song Poem by Kwame Dawes and Gwyneth Dawes · 2026 MORNING SONG (For Aba) My heart is closest to youin this dark hourof morningMy heart rememberspulling threads of memorythrough shadowsUntil I think I see youcurled under soft quiltdreaming of me and God* EDITOR’S NOTE Source: ArchiviNG (Nigeria Magazine, 1 January 1987). The […]
Submitted poem Daughter Poem by Gwyneth H. C. Dawes · 2026 DAUGHTER There were no drumsno call upon the spirits,no dance, no adinkras swirledno antiphonal songsno damirifas heardno goat was killed,no libations poured,no celebrations for thepassing of the soul.Away from the village ofher kin,on caribbean shoreswhere two once played the tune,she sang alone. Gwyneth H. […]