You listen to the claps

of a burning bush

and the funereal sobs

of a smouldering bush

You listen to the air

rushing into your front gate,

the breathing of your hair

and the silent drumming

of your big engine

You stand out of a crowd

of friends

to watch red ants

in their cheerful hand shakes

while scaling the earthen wall

In the ancient Mali were the griots;

Today is you.

You...

           The watchdog

           The great chastener

           of today's abominations

Do not slumber!

Never you slumber!

For you appreciate the cries

Of a spoilt chair

Under the oppression

Of a giant!

Nsukka, 1994