Do I need to be awake?
All nights,
Enveloped in illumination
Of my lamp,
With drops of perspiration
On my scroll,
And the silence
Of unholy hours
Threatening to scar me.
Do I need to learn?
Contents of this scroll
And bear scorn
Of folks after.
From open windows of
Chambers of power
I see peers,
War machines on shoulders
In handshakes with Excellencies.
Throaty laughter,
Backslappings,
With official crafts
Waiting to take warlords
Back to war zones.

By: Chidi Anthony Opara

How sad this
Plightful days
Scroll bearers
Have scorns
On their inks
And hearts

Hope is
Enough solace,