Transience

When you look carefully back,
When you were on mama’s back
When you toddled and fell back,
When you happily began to walk,
When, being rude, you received a smack,
When you played with friends in the dark,
And made your dress all black;

Do you remember your school years?
While boarding with your peers?
Those moments, you were all cheers,
When you played and laughed with tears,
There were, as well, moments of fears,
When you had to run downstairs,
To hide from seniors and their sneers.

Do you recall when you started to work?
As a novice, you often got stuck?
Then you ascended due to your hard work?
Others would say this guy had lots of luck.
You created a spirit of teamwork.
You developed a successful network,
Of friends like a true Young Turk.

Life moved from one stage to the other,
You got married and became a father,
Begot one child after another,
Sisters and brothers growing up together,
Happy to have got a dutiful mother,
And the company of a lovely grandmother,
A family that prays for their forefathers.

You worked so people could have light,
You laboured all through the night,
I cannot recall seeing you fight,
Either with people or for your right.
Noble character led you to limelight,
As simple as good morning or good night,
Life can after all be a hallmark of delight.

You became a kind of celebrity,
Always wishing for prosperity,
And the need for giving charity,
Your kindness was surely a rarity,
It was easy to feel your sincerity,
I will align with you in solidarity,
So we could leave a mark for posterity.

Then, life winks its wide eye,
After you made the stakes high,
As clear to climb to the sky,
You retired, it was an emotional goodbye.
Slowly, you faded from the public eye.
Many years hence and I heard: ‘who is this guy?’
Could time not make age to stand by?

Then, I heard that you have died,
Was it true or have people lied?
I then noticed how everyone cried,
I praised God as our ultimate Guide,
There is no place for anybody to hide,
Those guided and those who misguide,
Leave your hair perpetually dyed.

Appreciating our colleagues

Two colleagues, Mustapha and Matilda, having completed their foreign service, were treated to a farewell party at the Embassy of Nigeria in Brussels, Belgium on the 17th July 2018. Praises were showered on the duo for their hard work and good naturedness. I missed the occasion as I was engaged in an official assignment. I however decided to make for my missed chance by composing an "Ode" to state my admiration for their dedication.

Everyone sees pleasure on your face

Good Matilda and Groovy Mustapha,

As you receive showers of praise,

A recognition of a rightful place

For the vigour with which you grasp,

Your work and the values you clasp,

You related well with the Mission,

And its staff to ascend the vision,

of a prosperous and secure nation.

Accept the good wishes of all.

Rank higher and higher, stand tall, 

His Excellency has said it all,

You stood like a very strong wall,

You worked well in answer to your call,

We are sad that you are leaving our fold,

But happy that you aspire to unfold,

Potentials you devotedly got tenfold,

Make your work ethics a stronghold,

So others could mimique your foothold