Muttering voices

 "Ibe" Ibem, my mates have moved on... Their journey tracing the barely travelled paths.  I tried to whet my feet on the stones of grief To brush off the blunt faces of happiness  Gazing at my slumber and slugger Mana ijem siri ike. Ijem, the voices we hear Call our feet to various crossroads  Where decision and fate tumble upon each other. You call to mind the day we set out, Eager as each smile opens a new chapter of this phase Mana nkem no na akachukwu. Nkem, the voices of love that refuse to grow faint, Through the night struggles with life, Through the roaring laughter of mockery, Through the jeers of small minds, We have risen a great clan forged by sincere tears, true  love in one heart. 

"Ka Chi Foo" There were lonely days sown in this dark corners, Where I started my walk through life. I remember them vividly like the sound of my first name TOCHUKWU in the mouths of my busybody neighbours. I saw the wall yawn with hunger As it reflected the images in my belly I knew I could drown and die in the tears that Lay with me like a lake full of sharks. The nights were so long with the constant filtering of noise by nocturnal creatures The dawn was so far beyond my reach No plea could ever bring it closer. I had a neighbour more like a brother Our names both had a T although his had life in it than God: TONDU. He kept his affluence behind close doors And constantly handed me a feigned pity.  And yes, I took it. I had a lover. Had like past possession. She hid in the dark. I heard her voice faintly but loud were her straying and fleeing steps My heart flutter, not of excitement but fear. I had hope with smouldering coals I kept fanning its embers  They kept my heart w...

 "The Saviours " On the Wake of independence, A strange coldness was poured on emaciated souls. Then came the goosebumps The trepidation, The uncertainties Which plagued the tender nation spreading so fast like a ravaging pandemic Through the fabrics of her soul. Black swiftly became white As truth glaring became lies The night settled finally with its full weight As bleeding feet scamper aimlessly in the enveloping darkness. Yet the nation trudge on Despite losing her two eyes The blind led the blinds To walk the thorny path of democracy. Here and there, Ambushes were laid on this wounded nation By men of uniform To wrest power through the guts of bullets than the ballot... But She fought tirelessly, Smeared severally in bloody coups, And fierce protests; Her heroes fell and others rose Until she escaped into the waiting arms of thieves in rich caftans and lofty campaign promises.  THE SAVIOURS who saves us not.