 1. The fronds of tall palm trees Swayed in the gentle breeze; An elegant teak, dropped The coppery leaves Making patterns on parched fields.
2. We hailed a flock of white feathers. Where only the brown vulture hovered. Nava u! It’s a good omen. “Isn’t white better than brown?”
3. Speeding Peugeot on a laterite road Raised a cloud of dusty smoke. Grass cutter , the large ground rat Scampered across the vacant field.
4. Suddenly the door clanged And the windows creaked The zinc roof screamed, “Beware. we are Igala .”
5. The Fulani getting the message Packed the pots and pans On to their cattle caravan Trudged towards Niger In search of pastures greener.
6. The tall elephant grass Sounded an ensemble in brass The fields of yam and corn Lay tattered and torn.
7. Thin lipped Fulani maids Brought no butter and ghee Dark lassie, with a bosom efflorescent Sold no oranges, seedless and sweeet.
8. Cracked soles permit no tracking, Chapped lips prevent tasting. So we merely gulp down Pounded yam and pepper soup. “A crime committed in ancient antiquity Could only have caused such a calamity”.
9. Mikania blossomed, laying a funeral sheet A naked tree, displayed a crimson wreath Never creek nor a croak Was heard from a cricket or a toad. The setting sun in a red glow Kindled the pyre below.
10. The fire blazed, razed over land and field, Climbed the palms, reaching the sky. A vulture dived into the smoke; An act of devotion or to get a roasting snake.
11. The roaring flames danced through the night; Whilst the friendly spirits Seeped through the thatch Marking the Igala babes, with a trident patch.
12. Over the misty mounds The sun came up in the morn Seeing the ravage through the embers. Summoned help from the wintry lands Then blew the ‘Harmattan’ Throwing dust on the worriers of the Igala clan.
13. “Khai ! This Harmattan I can no longer stand” |
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