I

You...

Who threaten the sky

with pointed gun;

The earth with padded head;

And the rock with clenched fists...

You...

Who have just emerged

From a long slumber

Like a Caterpillar

Galloping with horse strength

You forget the tigers too

Have sleep in their bones

II

From a long, long slumber

Emerged this child

Bathed in sweat of unbelief

This child was warned:

Put on the light!

His ears were drawn:

Put on the light!

Do not eat that "foofoo"

in the dark;

Put on the light!

He remained steelheaded

And mistook the plate

Of blazing "Okro" soup

For the washhand basin!

Nsukka