Thick Canopy (poem)

In the hush of first dew, where whisdpers weave,  

Ants tread softly on a tapestry of leaves.  

Each carrying grains from the earth’s deep chest,  

Preserving their paths in a dance manifest.  

With tiny feet marching, each one a mind,  

Together they toil; purpose intertwined.  

A lineage vibrant, their essence remains,  

Rooted in soil where memory gains.  

Our ethnic threads braid through time's gentle tide.   

We mold our ways with care and precision,  

A legacy rich with each passing vision.  

I am the lion guarding this strong pride;   

Flames in my heart, the world my guide.   

With roar like thunder echoing afar,    

I stand as protector 'neath each guiding star.   

Through rivers twisting and mountains looming,   

I forge an embrace where our ways find room;    

Though unfamiliar winds howl and shadows encroach, 

Our spirit is anchored, their tides shall reproach.

Roots run deep into history’s vein:    

Pulses of wisdom defying disdain.

Amidst all distractions we thrive side by side;       

In unity's strength do our ways abide.

So let them come forth with trinkets so bright,

Their flickers may dazzle but fade in the night;

Yet here we are steadfast, a quilt ever whole,

Embracing our pathways, to nurture one soul.

For like pathogens pressing for dominance near,

We stand evergreen, our resolve crystal clear.

Hand-in-hand forging a future revered,

As guardians proud, we have nothing to fear.

Ode to our journey enriched beyond tears,

Where laughter resounds through generations’ years!

The ant knows her worth as she carries her load;

To preserve what was sacred, a love never sold.

The lion roars loudly, a symbol sublime:

Guardianship glows across breadths of all time.

From valleys to peaks, from dusk until dawn,

Essence preserved, as it must carry on!

(c) Nwafor Oji Awala 

May 2025