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IF WISDOM HAD A SMELL (A POEM)

If wisdom had a smell It would smell of old books Passed down from generation to generation Revealing the truths about the enigma called time. The truths which cannot be purchased Even by the highest bidder. That smell that unveils the arduous work of writers Known and unknown. That smell that reveals family trees of readers Seen and unseen. That smell that conquers ignorance Once knowledge is sought. If wisdom had a smell It would smell like an old, well-read copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin Revealing the evil behind the thoughts and actions of slavery. That smell that encompasses sacrifice. That smell that brings words and characters to life. That smell that raises positive movements that will In time, save humankind. If wisdom had a smell It would smell of old wrappers Worn by mothers and even fathers, Instinctively used to wipe the tears Of their children away, Used with love to cover them from the rain or sun. Oh, the smell of that long piece of fabric With drawings of horses, stars,...
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UPON THE MOUNTAIN

 


UPON THE MOUNTAIN

 
“What would happen if you do not make this jump?” She asked herself while standing on one of the highest points of the Olumo Rock. She got to that point with the company of other tourists chatting their lives away and taking memorable pictures of one another. However, the majority of the crowd took the road more travelled by; the stairs that looked newly built to help the young and old. Here, a lift(s) will be a bad idea knowing the nature of our electricity system. We call it kpa na kpa na!

 Being the daring type, she decided to take the route less followed; the inner rocks.

She got past the shrine where the tour guard had explained they sacrificed animals to the gods who in turn protected tourists from any danger. Some rocks looked like humans turned into stones; they have been there for thousands of years. It was a marvel, all she wanted to do was to go further until she got to the highest point of the mountain. It would be one grand achievement and a boost to explore more parts and cultures of Nigeria. So, there must be an overcoming.

She garnered more confidence knowing that her brother was right in front of her. She felt protected and believed she could touch the skies until power changed hands.

“Wait for me Dabu, please I would need you to hold my hands to make this jump to the other rock. Please.” There was a separation between two rocks. One had to jump over to the next to carry on.

“Don’t worry, just jump. It is not so difficult. We will meet at the top soon and make sure you hurry.”

 You can call it "Super Story." Her young faith got shattered like a broken ceramic. She watched her brother leave her alone to decide or not to decide, to make the jump. Any mistake will send her to hell, sacrifices offered to the gods or not. She peeped down and oh how high it was. Her best bet was to retreat and join the moving train, which would mean going back down like a defeated lion.

“Sister, no fear. I go hold your hand and you go jump quick. But no look down o!” was the voice of a stranger turned angel sent to give her all the courage she needed to carry on. She takes his hand, lands strongly on her feet and gets to witness the beauty of God’s creation. The feeling of being on top of the world is certainly not a myth. Then her brother says: “ I told you it was not that difficult.”

 She recalls the story of a friend who had a dream about a valley and a mountain. He is in a valley with a friend. They are struggling to get to the top of the hill where other friends of theirs are already dining. Suddenly, a big bird comes to his rescue and takes him to join those already at the top. He spots his friend still struggling to make it up there and is obliged to go back down to help. In the end, they both reach the top and everyone is happy.

 There are times when your help will come from the strangest of places. It is normal to be disappointed at those we trust when they fail us. So whoever you are, have it in mind that your bird might be an old enemy or new acquaintance. The end of the matter will determine the beginning of your story.

 Don’t forget to be Honest!


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