The poet, Niyi Osundare. Photo: ABIODUN OMOTOSO

September

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You stand ginger-footed

on the 9th rung of

the year's ladder;


on your left swollen rivers

on the right a riot of rains.

Winged termites still mob


lamp-posts at night,

the toads waiting patiently

for their fallen victims


From Kano to Kandahar

lingering stench of haram wars

gunshots on sleepless nights. . .


Broken banks

a deluge of debts

money chiefs are now in flight,


blind thief-catchers on their trail.

Our Emperor lies prone in a desert kingdom;

his handlers vow he's only praying


Brave month,

can you bring back

our stolen country?

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Reader Comments (8)


Posted by dami on Sep 07 2009

prof osundare remains my favourite poet. see the proficiency of language and versification of our status quo as a country. the admixture of climate , weather and human conditions cuts a humane expression, and exudes the mastery of Baba awon poets, NIYI.

Posted by Eba on Sep 07 2009

@ Dami how poetic your last 4 words if rendered without the comma and code switching allowed. "Baba awon poets Niyi" meaning here is the father of all poets. Yes I agree with you. He is baba nla awon elewi...the one who speaks and words bow, the one who bows and ideas bounce. He is not a bouncer but bullies tremble at his temple of words. All hail Baba baba awon Poets

Posted by Tade Ipadeola on Sep 08 2009

Septmeber... let our land find her dream of fruition herein... And it is quite true. Osndare is the lyric master.

Posted by beibee (www.nigerianbestforum.com) on Sep 09 2009

very simple but profound piece of poetry. i've come to observe that profound simplicity is the trademark of osundare. he spins a simple yarn out of a complex material. september: could be the amber light for get ready: anything can still happen...

Posted by Emeka Chike Nwogu on Sep 09 2009

If I have the words, I will write about Nigeria, write about our leaders, then get Prof. to edit it, versify it and paste at Aso Rock for our slumbering leaders to read. Aptly captured. I see pictures of flood, inclement weather moving and hissing. Thank you sir.

Posted by sigh on Sep 11 2009

Can we bring back our stolen country? First we must identify those who are doing the stealing...identify and expose?

Posted by Adedayo Odulaja on Sep 11 2009

I remenber being at one of the many rememberance events for Abiola in July 2008.This was at Adebola House in Ikeja and Baba Niyi Osundare was the Guest Speaker. The employment of imagery perfect, vocals succint and lyrics symply enchanting. Here he comes again with his magic, May God bless you sir.

Posted by jamiu on Sep 12 2009

brillant-what a month for 9ja's history



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