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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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ARE YOU QUALIFIED?

"I write to notify you that I will no longer try to convince you that I am good enough to be an employed citizen of and in this country. How many times do I have to state that I have my PVC, NIMC, International Passport, Driver’s Licence, Birth Certificate, LASRRA, NEPA/PHCN bill (even though I am still unemployed I pay my tax), Waste Management bill, Water bill, and so on?”


"Do you not know I have been to primary school, secondary school, and university? Do you not know I have a masters degree plus a PHD? Add to the fact that I never failed any subject or course in the four walls of all the schools I have attended. You can take that to the bank!"


"You are all making too much noise. Say I take all your claims to the bank surely, I will not cash out. My great grandfather was a farmer, and so was my grandfather. My father died farming and now I have inherited the family heirloom. I am sure my son will also take up this inheritance. With all the experiences we garnered over the years, my generation has not hammered yet. How do you think this makes me feel? I would not even advise my son to continue in the family line!"


"I have none of the stated. Yes! I have no certificate, and neither am I a farmer. But I know how to sell and multiply. Call me the number one trader in this country. I can sell even the clouds in the sky if given the opportunity. However, the prices of goods keep skyrocketing every hour in this country. It is not a sign of progress if that is what you are assuming in your mind. Oga with all the IDs, even if you are employed today, your salary will struggle to make hands meet. You will trek home from work due to the rise in transport fares. You will starve at work because of the increment in food prices. You will not sleep well because of Lagos traffic. You will pay a light bill even when the light is not visible. It goes on and on and on."


"Hmm. This is not encouraging at all. Does it mean my 16 years of living-ship is just the beginning of my suffer-ship? I would also like to know why your great grandfather and father did not hammer, why all your certificates did not uplift you and your ID cards as well. Why did you not fight your kings when they treated you, as qualified as you were and are, as slaves? Why did you not tame the snake when it was still a worm? You have all been lamenting since yesterday but I am yet to hear your solutions. The difference is clear. A GENZEE (Generation Z) will not surrender without a big fight. Call it ENDSARS or OBIDIENT. "


"Young lad, medicine is not ice cream. It is easier said than done, you know? My daughter died in the Town Clinic because there was no petrol to power up their generator. The ventilators did not work! Also, my wife was kidnapped! We had to pay a ransom of N10,000,000. If not for the contribution put together by the church I attend, only God knows where my wife would have ended up. See, there is no bright light at the end of this tunnel called a country. If you like, call yourself GENXXX."


"I belong to no category of yours. I am a Nigerian, although not proud to be at the moment. But I have the power to decide my future just as you do. Leave all these atrocities (but do not forget them). Let them push you to act with sense. Go and vote in the coming elections and stop complaining, wondering every minute if you are a citizen of this country. Have you forgotten this song?


This land is my land, this land is your land

From Lagos Island to the Adamawa

From the Sudanic Forest to the Gulf Stream waters

This land was made for you and me.


We are all qualified to have the best our nation has to offer. Please cast your vote in the upcoming election. Vote your conscience, and if your conscience is PO, you are a gem!


Song: This Land by Woody Guthrie

Don't Forget to Be Honest!


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Comments

  1. Anonymous15 August 2022 at 12:24

    Hmmm... We need all the encouragement during these times. Vote I will!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kingz18 February 2023 at 00:54

    This is a beautiful piece!
    Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous18 February 2023 at 03:37

    You can only be qualified, when you vote Peter Obi

    ReplyDelete

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