FAREWELL TO CITY OF MOATS
Through the ages fame still resound
In thy ancient spot enviable things lie around
So earlier vowed, from city would never part
Still by foreigners envied, thy famous ageless art
Oh enviable seat of once mighty kingdom
So peaceful ruled by kings rich in wisdom
Ever restless were subjects that stood thy defence
But long ageless stood that wall like fence
By thy sand at birth first to greet
Of such still in thy aged street
Like giants thy untutored carvers stood
In all Afric race none ever withstand stood,
Great were thy famous heroes of war
Who first survey events when still afar
Still dreadful to foreigners is thy ancient moats
Like ocean mariners would try sail with boat
How glorious is thy festive day
Enviable was thy founders way.
Jacob E. Obaseki
EDITOR’S NOTE
Archived from Nigeria Magazine, Sunday, 1 March 1970.