When the cassette tape played, I was seldom interested in the lyrics—how likely was a 6-year-old to care? Yet I could feel sorrow, compassion, and sadness in the singer’s voice. I imagined someone hurting her. Was she hit, betrayed, lonely? Her voice held a mystery I wanted to uncover, but she was miles away from me. Since I could not unravel the enigma, I let the thought go. As I grew older, my mother did not grow tired of playing the cassette tape. I could not hide from hearing it either, unless I could afford a roof over my head. One evening, during the holiday and with no homework to attend to, I had to ask her. ‘Mum, who’s this person always sad when they’re singing?’ ‘You mean all this time, you don’t know it’s Dolly Parton? And who told you she’s sad? When you truly express how you feel, it is not always a sad tale, my girl. Do you even know what this song playing is about?’ ‘Yes, ma. It’s her coat of many colours, just like the one Joseph had, right?’ ‘Eh en. Only hers was give...
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,
Patterns highlighting the grind and beautiful creations
Of craftsmen and women.
It brings comfort to a child well-positioned on the mother's back,
Be it Iro, George, Ntorika, or Ankara,
Depicting our rich cultural heritage.
If wisdom had a smell
It would smell like my late grandmother's kitchen
Occupied by spices that only the elderly could fathom.
A kitchen full of life,
Revealing years of cooking and nurturing generations
A meal at a time.
It would smell of the memories of her passion,
Love, and discomfort, dancing and bouncing off the walls.
That smell that would escape into the veranda
Giving a rich scent to our home.
That smell that would motivate even the faintest of hearts
To accomplish a meaningful goal.
Oh, if wisdom had a smell
It would smell of the earth when it rains
Or the fields at dawn
Or the salty air of the oceans at night
Or the water from a coconut
Or a neonate
Or the delicious aroma of bay leaves
Or an alluring well-tended garden
Or a sparking burning wood.
Oh, if wisdom had a smell,
It would smell of Peace.
Written by:
Emmawad
Nifemi Brown
Diana O.
Gordon W.
Let us remember that the old can often be valuable. This is a beautifully well-written poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading.
DeleteThe poem really made me feel what wisdom could smell like it could smell like peace and happiness passed down from generation to generation
ReplyDeleteMay we find the peace we seek.
DeleteI love this. I didn’t want it to come to an end. If wisdom had a smell it would smell like true friendship seasoned with the richness of time…
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful addition to the poem. It really can go on and on...
DeleteI think I can actually smell old books now after reading this
ReplyDelete😃😃😃
DeleteNot in a million years would such a thought cross me mind! Need to be wise after reading this, appreciating the sense of smell too!
ReplyDelete😄😄
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