Untamed Character Poem by Ndimancho T Nyowikeh

Just as evil spirits flee
Into the bodies of swine,
So does the animal's gin deepen in you
A trait so rare, and yours alone.

Never have I found a human with such marks,
That which makes you devil-like.
Little wonder, your presence
Brings none but terror.

Are you the goddess of dread?
No, it cannot be you.
For thy visage speaks of peace,
Yet a step further unveils fear.
So, Engwa, I plead: tame thy character.

Let not the gust of beastliness gown thee.
Let humanness be thy portrait,
So that, upon man's view, we shall not wonder.
Thy mercurial nature be made not still,
So thou may resemble God's own creature.

For beauty without character Is
but a ring in a swine's nose.
So if words may compel thee,
I intreat you, tame thy character.

For what is a crown without virtue?
What is a flame if it burns only to destroy?
Even the fairest flower fades,
Yet character endures like stone.
So choose the path of grace,
And be remembered not for terror,
But for the peace thy spirit can bestow.

By: NDIMANCHO T. NYOWIKEH
At: Up-Station Bamenda
On: The 18th August 2025