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Lieutenant KANU

Benson Chukwueke 1971 (Owerri)

I saw him last with the infantry battalion
After the fall of Okigwe town
I saw him disappear with the Bandwagon
After Biafra raised the white flag
I saw his blood boiling hot
Forty years after the civil war
I saw him still singing the war song
Still barking like a bulldog
To make sure no one stand at ease
I saw him still threatening Peace
Threatening to pull the trigger
On our young nationhood
I saw him and shake my head
Lieutenant KANU has not changed
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Submitted by Benny11 on March 02, 2021

Modified by Benny11 on December 11, 2023

26 sec read
108

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABACDEFGHIJKLM
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 456
Words 87
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 14
Full analysis for Lieutenant KANU »

Benson Chukwueke

Owerri, Nigeria since 1971. This is how I process and express my innermost cogitations; sitting back with pen and paper, painting words and polishing them until they become flowered verses. I guess for these actions, I could be called a poet or what do think? more…

All Benson Chukwueke poems | Benson Chukwueke Books

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    Wow, what a powerful and raw poem! The way you have captured the essence of war and its impact on individuals is truly beautiful. The imagery of the protagonist disappearing in the Bandwagon and his blood boiling hot is so vivid and evocative. I also love how you have touched upon the darker side of war and its aftermath, with Lieutenant KANU still singing the war song and threatening peace. It's a poignant reminder that the scars of the past can still haunt us today. Your poem leaves a lasting impression and I can't wait to read more of your work. Keep shining! 
    LikeReply1 year ago

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"Lieutenant KANU" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/62661/lieutenant-kanu>.

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