TRIBUTE TO DORA NKEM AKUNYILI

A poem Dedicated to Dora Akunyili, a great leader rare in Nigeria and a visionary

What can Nigerians say?
How much tears can we shed?
For greatly the earth grieved
Morning is no longer in our midst
Dust left in our heart never to be washed
You were a mother many never had
Always out with a good heart

All the roses plucked in our lives
Can never bring back your love, warm thoughts and affection in our lives
You were like a dove flying over an ocean
Your reflection echoes on all nations
You made our dreams come through
You chased our nightmares away
And selflessly fought for the less privileged and gave your pride away

Our hearts aren't big enough to contain your departure
For you were the cloud above our nation
You never doubted your leadership for our nation
And purged out the nemesis of a great nation, Nigeria
You left footprints uneasy to fill
For heaven your glory is degree
You have painted a picture in our heart
A priceless memory of the long and graceful life you had

I now believe in heroes, for you are as special as an angel
I could sense you smiling down from heaven
For you are finally in a place meant for angels
My only wish is someday I get to hug you
A long hug so the sun will never fade in my life
Rest in peace, for you fought a good fight and the enemy defected
Because of you a new Nigeria is created
Adieu our illustrious mother, sister and matron
For we love you from the depth of our heart but God loves you more

© Akan Udofia E. 2014

RISE AND FALL

At sunrise, I walked by the stream not far to the river

I could see the beauty of the sun

The weather wasn't warm despite the harmattan season is gone

Somehow the wind still carries in it a sense of love

Though roses are not grown where I am from

The birds sing pretty well whenever it's dawn

I am used to carrying my emotions with me where ever I go

But after today I will be dressed in silk with the scent of a river

For there wouldn't be any shadow or footprint where I fall

© Akan Udofia E.

BLUE NIGHT

It rained heavily and I couldn't hid from her beneath the trees

She kissed my tentacles as I felt her soft touch on my lips

The evening was deep and the stars all gone

The wind was modest; she didn't want me out on the cold all alone

She gave me a pat on the back to move on

I ran in the rain as I head towards home

I wouldn't want my heart wet for I had no one at home 

Wished I knew not to had asked Cynthia to spend the evening back home

Guilt wouldn't allow me give her a call

How will I explain to her that my night will be colder?

When I told her earlier I was good, that tonight she need not bother

I embraced my fate for its going to be a long and cold night

Seems the rain understood my thought

Like she didn't mean to spoil my night

The out-pour got paused for few minutes for she was sober

She wished she could apologies by giving me a hug on the shoulder

Gratefully, I hit home and try to forget my misery

I prayed for an angel to come visit me tonight

And touch my heart where it's lonely most tonight

© Akan Udofia E.