Now you are 52 –
Yesterday is past.
We recall 1960;
1967-1970 still tell stories –
Of course, no victor no vanquished.
The sun sets at dawn,
Children down with kwashiorkor.
Khaki boys from barracks have gotten a koboko –
A change in this Obodo,
Many Olodos eating cocoa.
Now you are 52 –
The present is here.
1999 is historic;
Apples killed the Serpent –
A journey into democracy.
Twenty naira suddenly become an identity card
Arrest the thieves and leave the chief.
Plane crashes,
Bombs are ahead –
Pastors have sewn odeshi belts.
Now you are 52 –
What comes tomorrow?
You are a giant;
Your dreams are unique,
But on the brink.
No,
You can not break up!
meet the poet: Uchechukwu Ekwurekwu Obiakor
