The archive Letter to the economy (To Nigerian workers) Poem by Abba Gana Shettima · 1993 My alkalam has been tinglingto write and let you know mythoughtson your body which was torninto useless shreds of boneand became chained to forlorn hopeeven as your eyes were drainedby a visual fallacy of greatness. Your body has been […]
The archive Virtues Poem by Lao Tzu · 1992 Whoever cultivates virtues in hishouse his virtue is overflowingWhoever cultivates it in his town hisvirtue is lastingWhoever cultivates it in his ‘coun-try’ his virtue is abundantWhoever cultivates it in the worldhis virtue is universalThus by one own personal trials oneknows other peopleBy one’s town one knows […]
The archive Stockbroker Poem by Ibrahim Isa Abbas · 1991 Personified; he is an authorised clerkA dealing member of the stock ex-changeInstitutionalised; as a firm traditionon securitiesAll on behalf of investorsFor the brokerage commission. To the NSE, the authorised clerkOn the trading floor, the authorisedbargainerTo the investor, an adviserTo the firm hoping for listingOn the […]
The archive Lone soldier Poem by Isaac Umunna · 1992 Dressed in full battle regaliaAt attention you standYour gun by your sideYou have climbed the stepsAnd reached the podiumBut to come downFrom your lofty heightYou dare notWhere, O soldier,Lies your much-vaunted power?Twenty four hours each dayOn duty you areBattling furiouslyTo maintain the status quoLonely giant […]
The archive My friends Poem by Abdulkadir Babajo · 1992 Never worry my friendsWe are ready with plansThey are the master-plansWe can adopt to trendsPilot the moving trains Modern trains can flyGo coast to cost with the goodsMetal frames and woodsPoachers swarming the woodsCovering the face and shy Never trust the filesEven the heaven skiesWhich […]
The archive What the madman said Poem by Obiora Udechukwu · 1988 F WE KILL the cock that crowsWho will now rouse the sun from sleep?If we kill the bird that singsWho will distil harmonies from the clouds? Question i address to our people:Question i address to the land:Question i address to the world:If they […]
The archive Id-El-Kabir (A day of peace) Poem by Bilkisu Yusuf · 1993 A day of peaceA day to pleaseFestive air, a well-fed ramPenury put many in a jamBeyond reach is a small ramBeing no season to eat hamFor unclean meat brings harm. For the poor no meat to fryHopes shattered and children cryPoverty made […]
The archive Citizen at three Poem by Bilkisu Yusuf · 1993 A survivor in times so hardStaying sane when others go madAvoiding the slinging of mudIn pursuit of truth all the sameDistortion of facts media must tameBefore the nation becomes lame. May the closure bell never ringFor Citizen no axe shall swingEditorial courage it shall […]
The archive Conscience Poem by Isyaku Mohammed Aboki · 1993 The ground burned with furyScorching the last of the greeneryBlazing heat defying all fortsLizards scampered into comfort!Men retiring under mango treesGulping fura da nonoOut there he stoodStaring with bizarre lookBelly groaning for foodSkin burnt as sootExcept for the leg in a tattered bootConscience!You cryptic oneWhere […]
The archive KanKan Poem by Muhammed Kamil · 1992 There’s a cityHardly beautiful atFirst glance,With no current atThe flick of a switch,Or paved streets withRaving cars,With a soul far deeperThan the wells its waterSprings from. Its people congenial andWarmly welcoming; selfReliant and assured. WhereIslam is dearly loved; whatBetter place could a travellerMake home. Muhammed Kamil […]