I Love Nigeria Poem by Chris Jibero

I love my country, Nigeria
Strong and sturdy
Like a thoroughbred stallion
Schooled for big battles

I adore Nigeria
Because her shock-absorbers
Are the best ever made
Bearing whatever massive trash
Heaped upon her patiently
And laughing it off

I love my country
Because she thrives better in hardship
That endows her with steely muscles
Which she brandishes
To discipline her unruly children

I adore Nigeria
Because she stands like Mount Zion
That cannot be removed
But abides forever
In spite of her intractable travails

I cherish my country
Because the dirty hands
Of a few wayward children she sired
Assaulting her delicate throat
Cannot asphyxiate her
No matter how hard they try

I love Nigeria
Because she comes out from every ugly situation
Looking unruffled

Indeed I adore my compatriots
Because they quickly forgive
Those that trespass against them
Even if the injury sustained
Touched their marrow
And bled their hearts

But I am deeply worried
About my fellow countrymen and women
Because they are hasty
In forgetting to use their past experiences
To distil a glorious future.

(c) Chris Jibero.