The Journey On This Road Poem by Eche Ononukwe

How do we describe the journey on the road?

Obiageli, you came to this road stark nak’d,

just without something!

You came ev’n without a cry but these Mid-wives,

behind your moth’r pinch’d and pinch’d you

before you could trumpet like an elephant.

But they said you’re abami eda.



Obiageli, you’re nam’d eight days

after your moth’r gave birth to you;

people far and near came to laugh with your parents

on that gold’n day of your birth.



But now you’ve grown up like an ukuoji,

and you’re still ornament’d with wisdom;

books, books are in your small head.

Our elders say:

A big head without sense is a big burden to the neck.

Yours is laden’d with substance,

drawing near friends and favour to you –

questions upon questions they plaster you with,

but gently, gently you give ‘em wisdom.



Obiageli, you’re the apple of your father’s eyes;

the ofor that holds your ancestors;

the eye of the gods of our land;

ngborogu ayi jia gwo di oria, and

the pillar that hold the Ibo race.



Alas, you depart early enough, Obiageli!

Friends no longer see you und’r that tree

where you normally have your delight.

You depart like a thick smoke to the tiny air,

leaving your flesh to lie in state.

I know not your state, Obiageli,

before that metallic monst’r pieces your

carbonat’d dry bones on the road!