Olonija

Oloibiri began this dark day

A scarlet sun rising from the South

Broken dreams that started wild

The West rushed

The East gurgled

I woke to it all

I woke to the energy

The life of surprise

I watched in ewe

I watched in excitement

Vessels sprouted from the earth

Mud turned mansions

And wildernesses grew silver manes

Broken from this wild picture

Searching in these growing thoughts I sort

For the bright promise of my dream

The bright tomorrow for my brothers

My sisters love for cassavas

And my father’s love for fish

All buried, killed, forgotten

Oh Naija, how you broke me

Bruised me against my own loyalty

Bore me drenched in my blood

Bore me hungry, empty, wild

Naija you stole my heart and my innocence

You raped me endlessly in the darkness promising me life

You promised hope, love and all that I looked forward to

Naija, Naija, Naija! How can I?

How can I once again trust the lips that lied?

That kissed the bruises of my heart ache?

That cursed the vulnerable breasts of my ignorance?

Naija yet, Naija forever

Naija shocking

Naija, Naija, you are hurting...

So am I.