Song to Hunger - Oyelabi Peter Olawale
Reading Time: 2 min read
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Song to Hunger
Cock crows to the moment of the giant battalion,
Knocking on the door, the house of the voiceless.
Hunger feasts on the festering sores of the masses,
As inflation dawns on them.
Garri cries out in price,
Elubo skyrockets,
Yam becomes unaffordable,
Beans multiply in amount,
Rice turns to gold,
The market becomes forbidden for the masses.
Battalion of hunger,
Accompanied by librettos and celebrations of tears,
Dancing to the tune of the dying masses,
Their voices muted in the background.
Who shall hear their voices?
The cries of the battered masses!
To the honorable leaders,
Seated behind black beetles,
Flying in swift jets,
Feasting on hot cakes,
Deaf to the voices of the masses,
Glittering like rotten wood.
The battered eyes turn to God,
The house of God harbors the masses,
To redeem lost treasures,
For relief from biting pains.
Pay your tithe to the priest,
The priest's outcry,
To receive blessings from the Most High,
Neglecting the pains of the masses.
The priest blossoms, the masses lean,
Their eyeballs sink,
Mothers' breasts become spongy,
Traders' fat legs slim to the ground.
When shall redemption come?
Is it from God or man?
Dreaming of a reformed world,
Where masses enjoy prophesied blessings.
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Summary;
This poem vividly depicts the struggles of the masses with hunger and poverty, highlighting the stark contrast between their suffering and the opulence of leaders and traders. It critiques the indifference of those in power and the clergy to the plight of the poor, while also expressing hope for redemption and a better future. Through powerful imagery and metaphors, the poem conveys the desperation and resilience of the masses in the face of economic hardship.
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✍️ About the Author:
Oyelabi Peter Olawale is the 2024 Best Graduating Student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Federal University Lokoja. A distinguished writer and advocate for social justice, Oyelabi has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a passion for creating positive change. His research paper, "Ecological Precarity and Nature Activism in Helon Habila's 'Oil on Water' and D.H Lawrence's 'Sons and Lovers'," and poems like "Song to Hunger" and "Blood" showcase his commitment to exploring pressing social issues and promoting environmental awareness. With his remarkable achievements, Peter is poised to make a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.
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This was impressive and I was motivated by it
ReplyDeleteThe poem conveys the desperation of the masses in the midst of hardship.. this shows the present situation in African countries where the people question those in authority. Either in religious or political settings.
ReplyDeleteIt is an impressive poem that shows the plight of Africans.
Great work there bro.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up.