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?