Published September 1st, 2023
by Sola Ajibogere
(Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria)
Okro trees bear
Leaves generous in size,
Each leaf raises its
Stalk to sprout yellow flowers in
The hinge
Between main stalk
And leaf-stalk,
The flowers blossom and light
The farm in yellow flame
Of beauty resplendent;
Soon, they fall, revealing
Stubs of miniature green.
Yam vines,
Lushly green,
Stand on heap tops,
And twine round yam-pegs
In intricate confusion.
Maize too, not yet learnt
To sprout pollen of powder yellow;
Leaves – bird's wings in flight,
Heaves as wind sighs through;
The stalks retch
Wind howls by,
Raves and whistles;
Yam vines wave green arms
In supplication to the gentle wind.
Life issues from the farm;
Life, July's offspring
Of rain's mating
With the dark loam on April's mat
Biography
Ajibogere, Sola is a native of Ijesa-isu, Ekiti state, Nigeria, and is a graduate of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, with a B.Sc. (Honours) in Microbiology.
He currently teaches at Divine Touch International School, Ado Ekiti.
He is the author of the self-published fiction, Much Ado About Learning.
His poem, "Sun-plea," was published in Eleventh Transmission, and another, "The Song of the Evening Harvest," was published in Africa Poetry Magazine.
He loves watching and playing soccer.
This poem is included in Poetry World #7, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Nigeria Poetry Magazine:
The Island of Daznah
by Sanusi Majeed
Nigeria Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
(Advertisements)