Nigeria Poetry Magazine –

"Warm Hands of Death" by Emmanuel Adindu

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Title image shows a well-dressed man standing motionless on the street while a yellow vehicle blurs past him.

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Published September 1, 2022

Warm Hands of Death

by Emmanuel Adindu
(Abuja, Nigeria)

On my death bed,
I will shake the warm hands of death
Like a revered ofo-title holder.
Clutch him in warm embrace.
For his cold hands are for the
Lovers of his hate: life.

On my death bed,
I will thrust open my arms
like a cuddle-expectant infant,
With hearty smile and glowing eyes
Towards the Prince of Peace.
For he only paves the path
To dine in the bosom of Amadioha.

On my death bed
I will turn to my left and right
Watch the mourners' showery eyes.
Fill a cup with their tears and say:
See, it is mere water with salt to taste.
Cheer their sober hearts.
Preach the good news of a haven:
A tranquil place of the ancestors
Where I belong.

On my death bed,
I will be adorned in fabrics, more resplendent
Than that of the Elesin oba's.
When the Ezemmuo strides in,
Stabbing earth with his ofo to
Bade his farewell
I will simply say, Death is sending
Me on an errand.


Ezemmuo – The Chief priest of the Igbo society. The mouth-piece of the gods.
Elesin oba – The horseman of the King (second in command) in Yoruba culture.
Amadioha – The Igbo god of thunder and lightning.
Ofo-title – A revered position in Igbo culture.


Biography
Emmanuel Adindu is an English and Literary Studies graduate of Delta State University, Abraka. He has written a number of poems, short stories, essays, and reviews.
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ImmanuelMiles
Facebook: https://mobile.facebook.com/emmanuel.adindu.104?ref=bookmarks

This poem is included in Poetry World #4, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Previously published in Nigeria Poetry Magazine:
Married to the Devil
by Divine Ehidiamhen

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