The archive The Longing Poem by Chike C. Aniakor · 1981 Fill, Oh! fillmy calabash with waterto drain off unfilled dreamslost in the wetnessof silent hopes and desires;Return you eagle of the nightbringing from the bosomof the cloudsnew hopes, new dreamsthat my calabash may nowfill to the brim,that tales of hungermay now become talesof laughter,that […]
The archive Such a pity… Poem by Bilkisu Yusuf · 1992 Such a pity we are all blind,Ungenerous, shunning others witha blind,Alwayswicked, hatefulasifbound. Such a pity we are all one,But unneighbourly as if in a pro-miscuous barn,Yet lovers of progress, peace allround. Such a pity the world is a stage,As bad actors we are all […]
The archive Teachers’ pledge Poem by Adamu Muhammadu Nababa · 1994 As we teachers teach with serious-nessOur students learn with eagerness. As we teachers teach by no chasingOur students learn with much ease. As we teachers wish our studentswellOur students wish us same as well. As our students ask of so manyquestsWe teachers answers all […]
The archive Martyrdom in Mecca Poem by Moh. Adamu Nababa · 1991 In the morgueI stand witness,I stand witness along with thosedemanding blood for blood,Women volunteers all,Calling for revengeFor the blood spilt at the thresholdof God’s House of PeaceThis House of Peace has been hit byscorching simoon windsPlowing form the turbulent chorseof uncle Sam’s abodein […]
The archive A serious matter Poem by Odia Ofeimun · 1991 We have no need forthe common salt of want and hungersaid the spokespersons of the peopleas they rode kites of ballot paperto the truth of an ancient wish But we must stop theseair-conditioned arguments —do something — said the Peoples’lawyersas they stood up and […]
The archive THE DARK CITY Poem by Segun Adelugba · 1970 The city is darkFrom Majidun to the breezy beach.The cloud is thick. Very thick.I see no star nor rainbow.Will it rain soonOr it’s night so soon? A total eclipse this one isOr how do I put it?Sky’s electric workers on strikeOr just another power […]
The archive Where are the ancestors? the gods? Poem by Bakong Obi · 1983 Wake up from your dreams, your tombs.Gather your shambas, your spears and guns,the tribe is sick, it must be cleansed.Else we perish with the mounting tideof modernization. Awake, all youths, from your slumbers!Shake off the clutches of your parents,Wipe away the […]
The archive My Love Poem by Chike C. Aniakor · 1981 I shall kneelbefore these two moonswrapped in your neckerchief,Giant mounds awaitingnature’s harvest.I shall tug your waistline –for favourwhen your applesbegin to fallat the rustleof the first leaves. Chike C. Aniakor EDITOR’S NOTE Originally published in Nigeria Magazine on 01 Jan 1981, p. 122. This […]
The archive Our Neighbours Poem by Emmanuel O.O. Amali · 1987 Our neighbours on the other sideMust have industries for baking eggsEvery day at this hourOur atmosphere is riddled with sweet airOf what you do not see but feel its distant presenceThat compels you to loose your wanting salivaFrom the glands to your wanting throatIf […]
The archive Abiku [Smothering the expiring stench…] Poem by "’Funmi Joshua" · 1974 Smothering the expiring stench,The failing breath of a dying one. Alloy with powdered roots and barks, my breathSo it does not cease but cling to lifeAs now I fear to die.Buy olonde, strong igbadiTie me down the roots of life.I have come […]