Benny11
  Silver Member

The poem "Witch of Ilu-Aje" depicts a sinister figure known for their malevolent actions and rituals involving harm to others.
The narrator addresses the witch directly, accusing her of engaging in dark practices such as cooking trouble and consuming flesh and blood.
The repetition of "We know you now" emphasizes the exposure and judgment of the witch's deeds, demanding confession or punishment.
The poem evokes themes of betrayal, deceit, and the consequences of evil actions within a community. more »

Beautiful piece. Sometimes, you could be taken for granted, used to fulfill some selfish motives. "So for just a single night of fun.
You'll never know the damage done."

The Mind doesn't conform with the Heart unless it is renewed and nurtured to align. Otherwise, they are both at war. Beautiful poem.

Never seen hurricane, only on TV, but the intensity as described with vivid images in your poem, is better read than witnessed.

The poem "The Wedding of 1914" metaphorically describes a forced union of a country, reflecting historical events or political circumstances of 1914.
The imagery of a wedding suggests a formal joining, orchestrated by an authoritative figure ("Imperial Priest"), which seems to represent a colonial master imposing its will on diverse regions ("North, West, East and the rest").

The language throughout the poem conveys a sense of dissatisfaction and discord within this union. Terms like "ambivalence," "intolerance," and "incompatibility" highlight the strained nature of the relationship. The reference to the Priest's focus on "profitability" rather than spiritual guidance suggests a transactional or exploitative reasons behind the union.

The poem also explores themes of cultural conflict and lack of unity ("conflicting cultural activity," "no shared ideals"). The idea of "mixed-blood bond" may refer to inter-marriages with the different tribes, now struggling to find common ground amidst their differences.

Overall, the poem paints a picture of a troubled union, lacking in genuine connection or mutual understanding, yet bound together by external forces. It poses questions about the viability and legitimacy of such unions, both in personal and political contexts, ultimately reflecting on the complexities and challenges of nationhood. more »

The poem "The Lion on the Hills of Asèsè" portrays a majestic and powerful figure reminiscent of a lion, symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership.
The lion's roar on the hills of Asésé echoes across the earth, suggesting a profound global impact and influence.

Described as emerging from the depths of the black sea, the lion symbolizes a transformative force, illuminating the world with its message. This imagery suggests a Christ like figure of great spiritual significance, perhaps analogous to a divine or prophetic entity.

The lion's actions further underscore its benevolence and compassion. It extends its outstretched hands to rescue the sick and comfort indigent children, offering hope and support to those in despair. These actions reflect a nurturing and caring demeanor, emphasizing the lion's role as a disruptive transformer.

Moreover, the lion is depicted as a messenger angel imparting divine life in Christ, suggesting a religious or spiritual mission to spread faith and salvation across different cultures and languages.
This role as a transformative messenger highlights the lion's capacity to inspire and guide others towards spiritual enlightenment.

However, the poem also acknowledges challenges and oppositions faced by this lion-like figure. It mentions a contrary wind seeking to extinguish the flames of its influence, symbolizing resistance or adversity. Despite these challenges, the lion continues to flourish and spread, suggesting the enduring impact of its message.

Overall, "The Lion on the Hills of Asèsè" presents a complex allegory, a some kind of eulogy of a global spiritual leader located at Asèsè, a town in Western Nigeria. more »

"There is a world I can show you that’s hidden inside me," where I have romance with you even before meeting you. Exploring the beautiful world in my heart is something I do regularly. Well done! more »

'Had I really found a love so divine," Exploration of love and memory through metaphor of a book. Love can be vast and elusive. Well done.

The poem "April Sunlight" plays on mono-rhyme scheme to portray the harsh tropical sunlight in April as an intense and potentially destructive weather.

The poet compares that if hell were likened to April sunlight scorching with relentless intensity, nobody should allow to be thrown into hell, making it crucial to tread carefully and dispel illusions.

The imagery of rain failing to quench the sunlight underscores its fierce and unyielding nature, capable of igniting fires and drying oceans, ultimately leading to the destruction of the earth. (These do happen during dry seasons in tropical Africa).

Overall, the poem explores the power and peril of extreme conditions, urging caution and a clear-sighted approach to navigate such weather. more »

"Prancing at the ka-ka -ka-ka, pap-pap and boom sounds" - you captured the tune of war so well here. We must continue to call for ceasefire. Thank you so much for this work of art

The poem "Diagnosis of the Kwashiorkored Giant" metaphorically examines the devastating impact of bribery and corruption (B&C) on a nation

Through vivid imagery and strong emotional undertones, the poet conveys a sense of disillusionment and sorrow over the state of affairs.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the past vigor and strength of the "black giant," suggesting a once vibrant and powerful nation. However, it quickly shifts to a somber tone, describing the current state as sick and weakened.
The use of medical terminology such as "cankerworm," "bone marrow," and "blood stream" vividly portrays how deeply ingrained and widespread the issue of corruption has become within the nation's system.

The comparison to Kwashiorkor, a severe form of malnutrition is striking. Here, it symbolizes the grotesque distortion of the nation's resources and potential, where the head (representing those in power or leadership) disproportionately consumes wealth and resources, while the body (the general populace) suffers from deprivation and neglect.

The symptoms described — a large head and lean body, frequent stomach diarrhea — metaphorically illustrate the imbalance and dysfunction caused by corruption. The body politic is diseased, with its Constitution and security system (leukocytes) unable to defend against the corruption that has permeated every aspect of societal structure, leading to its breakdown.

In essence, "Diagnosis of the Kwashiorkored Giant" serves as a poignant critique of the corrosive effects of bribery and corruption on a nation. It laments the loss of vitality, strength, and integrity, calling attention to the urgent need for remedies to purge the systemic illness and restore the nation to health and prosperity. more »

The poem "Who Want to be a Millionaire?" explores the contrasting mindsets of a millionaire and a pauper regarding opportunities and problems.

It suggests that a millionaire perceives every problem as an opportunity for growth or profit, while a pauper views every opportunity as fraught with problems or challenges that keeps him down.

This juxtaposition highlights a key difference in mindset and perspective between those who achieve wealth and those who do not. more »

The poem "I am such a man" explores the internal struggle and vulnerability hidden behind outward perceptions of strength and success of a man.
The speaker confronts the discrepancy between how others perceive him and his own internal reality.

Initially, the poem addresses the misconception of success attributed to the speaker by others. Despite external appearances, the speaker admits to feeling distress and struggling to meet obligations, which leads to personal crises. This contrast between perceived success and internal turmoil sets the stage for deeper reflections on personal failure and inadequacy.

The speaker shares a poignant moment when his son expresses admiration and a desire to be like him. This triggers a profound sense of guilt and inadequacy in the man, who believes he has accumulated "failures...seven times seven baskets full." This biblical reference suggests a profound accumulation of personal shortcomings and failures, despite efforts to rise again.

Acknowledging his perceived courage and strength as misconceptions, the speaker reveals vulnerability and a sense of being misunderstood. He describe himself as "weak and feeble" and emphasize his human frailty—contrasting sharply with the image of a superhero or an invincible figure.

Despite his struggles and vulnerabilities, the speaker asserts resilience, stating he "stand whether it's sun or rain." However, this resilience is not a denial of pain but rather a way of coping with it. The plea for understanding—"I am just a man who also needs some pamper—to ease my sorrow"—underscores the speaker's longing for empathy and recognition of his human need for comfort and solace.

In conclusion, "I am such a man" is a heartfelt exploration of the gap between external perceptions of success and internal realities: struggle and vulnerability of a man. It challenges the idealized images often projected of a man and advocates for a deeper understanding of their human complexity and frailty. more »

You're totally right, but the imperialist encourage the installing of corrupt leaders, because it works to favour their agenda

"For those who give the injured heart fresh air" can help the wound, always give them a chance. Such a thought provoking poem. Thank you