The archive The Talking Drummer Poem by Olu Obaseki · 1970 THE TALKING DRUMMER From your shoulder hangsThe magic that talks the talesAnd sings the tonic solfaA cylinder with delicate animal skinOf distinguished fashionThat makes the double faceAnd well treated leather stringsThat clothe the carved woodThe expert hand holdsThe cornered cudgel of flatButton top that […]
The archive Say It Loud — I Love Adire Poem by Wole Oyebamiji · 1970 SAY IT LOUD — I LOVE ADIRE The cheapest and most durableFascinating and ConspicuousTypically designed for us locallySay it Loud — I love Adire.Locally made in the tropicsFor the use of tropical peopleWhose vast majority lives in the tropicsSay it […]
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 […]
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 […]
The archive Invitation Poem by Gwyneth H. C. Dawes · 1987 INVENTION come into my parlour,said the spiderto the fly;never mind the cobwebs,just come in and don’tbe shy;find a wealth of gourmetto suit your palate’schoice;let not my smile deter youor the silence of the noiseface it —this is heaven,leave the air’s thick fog,and rest; enter […]