Here is the poem that marked my emergence as one of the winners in this year’s ‘Natasha Poetry Competition’. Please, enjoy:
Shall I tell you an amazing tale
Of a woman so supremely beautiful?
A woman with a smile so enthralling,
Who brings the world to a standstill?
A sublime work of art; an ageless art.
Her poise, so majestic and alluring,
And at her beauty ‘men’ gaze in awe!
Shall I tell you of a woman called Natasha?
Please, can I tell you of a woman
From the central region of Kogi – Ebira?
A woman of rich and beautiful culture,
A culture known for its sublime cultural
Heritage and traditional rituals.
Her regalia, an exemplification of royalty,
And a portrayal of beauty and splendour!
A culture that values musical theatre,
Such as the ‘Ekede drum’ ‘ogene’ gong,
‘iya’ flute, while shaking their waists in an
Impressive dance to show their joy!
Her cultural attires show the richness
Of her root and Africaness,
And the kaleidoscope of colours and wools
Show the intersection of diverse festivals,
Like the prominent ‘Ozi-Ehime’, featuring
Symphonic music, culturised dance,
Masquerades and magnificent display
Of traditional attires.
Shall I tell you of this Ebira woman,
Who ravishes the irises of all ‘men’?
Her traditional attire is a depiction of
The Ebira-speaking people who are
Vast in rich oral traditions –
folktales, myths, and proverbs…
And through these, they preserve
Their astounding cultural heritage !
Shall I tell you the tale of this woman,
Who is dressed in all this cultural finery?
Although from culture so patriarchal,
She did find her majestic feet,
But from the deep cleavage of that patriarchalism she broke out!
A Queen of intrepid daringness!
Her strength, obviously metaphysical!
Her voice is a melody from Mother Nature,
And her smile, a source of overwhelming
Joy and happiness to the downtrodden!
Her words, so soothing and rivivifying!
And when darkness comes nigh,
Her smile, just like the crescent moon’s glow,
Radiantly illuminaties the hearts of men.
A joy to the world; a joy to the deprived!
Oh you Queen from Ebiraland,
Shall I compare you a sparkling jewel?
No, for thou art lovelier and liverlier,
And heaven and earth may pass away,
But my admiration for you shall fade not.
Sule Abubakar Lucky Mark,
Writer and Sociologist.
Email: suleabubakarmark1111@gmail.com
24/07/2023.