Picture Five

as we break this kola to chew
and nod egos on that cracked wall,
let’s not forget libation to the gods
and to the men who wouldn’t die.
to Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu,
to the premiers of the regions assassinated.
to Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi,
to Murtala Muhammad; I hope you’re friends now.
to Theophilus Danjuma, to Muhammadu Buhari,
to Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha,
to Yakubu Gowon, our dear Head of State,
to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu,
to the man whose manhood lives on.
to Benjamin Adekunle, Benin remembers.
to Victor Adebukunola Banjo,
to the Yoruba man that fought for Biafra.
to Obafemi Awolowo, the father of the West.
to Philip Effiong, the hero, the peace-maker.
to the gods of thunder that didn’t strike,
to the continued unity of our motherland.

Tomide Abdul