The archive
Farewell soldiers
(As the Third Republic Threatens to Enter)
Soldier go
we have got enough
soldier go
we have learnt enough
Our mouths are sick
hungry for arguments
denied of marathon talks
our hearts swell and burn
with undebated issues.
Why keep soldiers past their prime?
our borders are safe
beckon quick an PRODA;
give teeth to armoured cars
so they can farm
recondition the sleek jets
to spray the crops
war ships, to harvest the seas
no-one is keen on war
What else do we want?
the states are past enough
airports more than planes
bread and rice grow on our soil
the blind recite the watchword
the echo rocks the ears of the deaf:
farming! farming! farming!
discipline is in flower
what again do we desire?
police now look like army
school kids march like army
soldiers must pack and go
with immediate effect
we have got enough
we have seen enough
we have learnt enough
enough
enough
enough
enough-o-o-……………
then the chorus repeats
what more?
the longjujus are caged
the situation is under control
fortune dancers somersault
towards the grassroots
throwing up dirt like charge
“odogwu”
and watering trampled weeds
with warm acid of humility
flowing from their heart fresh
with circumcision
L.O.C. Anene · 1993
EDITOR’S NOTE
Originally published in Citizen on 22 November 1993, p. 36. This diplomatic transcription preserves the wording and lineation verified against the archived page.