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