In my tenderness, I was lifted by your arms
a lift of love, an embrace of hope.
The warmth of your hands was more than any peace
that money could ever buy.
In the dark and silent nights,
when I am gripped by fear,
the calm echoes of your voice
make me stronger than a thousand soldiers.
By day, when I am weary and confused,
the thought of you makes me confident and proud.
My words may fail if I inscribe
all my thoughts in pen.
I speak of a rock,
a guide, both firm and true,
A soldier strong in all you do.
You ask for nothing,
yet my happiness is your everything.
This rock I speak of is my father,
Unbroken, steadfast, like no other.
Odu Favour Awele is a Nigerian poet whose writing explores Africa’s past and present, including themes of independence, power, and the enduring struggles of ordinary people. His poems reflect a deep concern for social justice and human dignity, aiming to transform collective experience into personal, resonant verse.
