Metaphorical Poems

  In Their Innocence: A Poetic Cry Against the Theft of Childhood An Analysis of Justina Abbah's Poem by Nwafor Oji Awala Poetry often succeeds where ordinary language fails. It enters the wounded corners of society and gives voice to pains too deep for prose. In her poignant poem, "In Their Innocence," Benue State-based poet Justina Abbah accomplishes this task with remarkable simplicity and emotional force. Through carefully woven metaphors and vivid imagery, she transforms a tragic incident into a universal lament for stolen childhood and shattered dreams. The poem opens with a powerful contrast: "They carried books, not burdens, Small hands wrapped around pencils Like promises, Like blessings..." Here, books and pencils become more than educational tools; they are metaphors for hope, opportunity, and the future. The children are portrayed as bearers of dreams rather than carriers of the heavy burdens that society often places upon the young. In m...

In Their Innocence .................................. In their innocence, They carried books, not burdens, Small hands wrapped around pencils Like promises, Like blessings, To learn, to grow, and to become. The youngsters, still learning What the world was made of: Chalk dust and laughter, The smell of rain on red earth, The sound of Father's bike coming, A mother's voice at dusk, calling Them home. They are not the cause of Nigeria's problems. Why use them as political emblems? Why all these incidents? They are innocent. They did not know the word 'bandit'. They did not know the word 'ransom'. They only knew the school bell, The scratch of a pen on paper, The way knowledge opens a door, Even when the world outside is dark. The month of May is supposed to be a Children's Day celebration, But they decided to make a sting of liberation. Then, on May 15th, gunmen came to Oriire. They took them away, along with their teachers, St...