THE ELEPHANT HAS FALLEN - BY OGUNYOMI ISRAEL ABIDEMI

We’ve performed several rites
In the Elephant’s jungle; yes,
We’ve hugged glories immeasurable to ourselves.
But there’re many rites unperformed
And many glories un-amassed.

Yesterday was the funeral of peace
And the coronation of fear –
A double-barreled blessing  
On the corridor of the Northern frowning earth!
And today before the noon wears
The garment of the night, we shall probably
Celebrate the tumble of the trio, tensile
Trees that hold the jungle’s quivering edges.

Tomorrow will dictate the right rite
For itself – perhaps the funeral of
The mighty elephant herself!

Ah! Hunters are already watching:
The elephant’s blobbing back they hope to see
Touch the earth, and then thud into the air
For an effortless victory much awaited.
Pathetic horrors camouflaging in the
Masquerade of love! Even the wise
Whirlwind whistle the tones of their hatred.

Alas! The elephant has fallen!
The hunters are thudding and singing:
The ashes of their laughter fetter
Some echoes of sorrow with the elephant’s fall.

Ah, thunder has broken!
Chaotic thunderstones cascade voluntarily
On it, to march and mar the elephant’s treasured earth.
A load of drossy metals mangles the carapace of a turtle
And a cloud of confusion ebbs into the abyss of the sky.

Right is the prophesy of the town crier,
A soldiered poet relieved of a half-Sun’s scorch:
Suspicious sympathizers are here, they draw knives,
Stride towards the wealthiest of the jungle
With the utmost temerity to probe her bowel!
Who will redeem the honor of the mightiest of the jungle –
A new Nehemiah to rebuild the gate of Jerusalem?

  

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