LET THE NAMELESS BE, a poem by Nwafor Oji Awala

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Nwafor Oji Awala 


Let the nameless be

Avoid the wrath of the faceless


Tomb raiders dare

The venom of pit crawlers 


Don't ask me to name a spell

It  leads to hell

Knowing or doubting is no deal

Naming the nameless invokes evil


Let the nameless be

Avoid the wrath of the faceless 


Author’s Note

“Let the Nameless Be” was first written and published on social media in 2022. It now forms part of my upcoming book, tentatively titled We Are Who We Are.

This poem reflects my meditation on the nature of the hidden and the consequences of tampering with what should remain untouched. The nameless represents mysteries that defy human grasp, while the faceless embodies the unseen powers that guard them. The act of naming is not neutral; it carries power. To name the nameless is to summon it, and with that summoning comes danger.

The images of “tomb raiders” and “pit crawlers” serve as vivid warnings: those who trespass forbidden spaces often awaken venomous consequences. Likewise, the reference to a “spell” is not about magic alone, but about the peril of seeking knowledge or power that leads only to destruction.

I deliberately structured the poem with repetition at its beginning and end, creating the feel of a chant or incantation. The circular form acts as both seal and echo, reinforcing the cautionary tone: let the nameless be, to avoid the wrath of the faceless.

Beyond the mystical or spiritual interpretation, this poem also speaks to life and society. Not everything needs to be exposed or confronted; some silences are sacred, some mysteries deserve respect. The wisdom of restraint is itself a form of survival.


(c) Nwafor Oji AwalaI 

Metaphorical Poems 

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