Agbon Clan Poem by Raimi Babatunde

I appeared contrarian
Though driven by curiosity
Like a child exploring his gifts
I was mystified
By the agelessness they exude

People of Agbon Clan
Somewhere in Otoro-Agbon
A generation of veterans
Longevity runs in their veins
I entered a state of stupefaction
But for a good course

Curiosity led the fly to the grave
I saw mysteries
This was a conundrum
A riddle i am poised to solve
And that i must
Before sunset at noonday

Her response was boisterous
As i echoed "Migwo"
Like a bullet ricocheting
"Vrendo" my son, she responded
The sight of her son
An illustrious son of the soil
Reminded her on the udje steppings
Like a new bride

Unaided she danced and swayed
What a beautiful scenery to behold
The joy of motherhood
Mama was five score and four
A whooping hundred and four years
As they made to catch up
An invitation was brought
The oldest man in the village passed
At the ripe age of six score and ten
Wait till i tell you

Mama's neighbour, six score
The rural outliving the urban
Surely, in Delta State
Longevity runs in their ancestrial bloodine