Precious

I had it but I lost it When I saw it, I ignored it When it called, I rejected I became as big as the Iroko Flaunting my strength with pride Little did I know of my weakness? Yet I stood tall in the forest Longing to be challenged Seeing myself as the best amongst my equal Not wanting to think of my Ancestors How did they exert their strength? Why did they have to perish despite their strength? What do I have, that they never had? That never bordered me But inside, I knew all was not right For “Nothing last forever” I have defeated my fear, I thought Yet there was no insurance Where that came from, I hardly knew Slowly it crept in, Initially as a guest, Soon became a threat Suddenly became my darkness And my strength became my fear Till death came staring at my door-step What could I have missed? What could be stronger than the fortress I had built? With my roots firmly fixed in the earth Yet, I am about to fall Then it finally dawned If only I cherished it If only I answered its call If only I submitted to it But that I never did I had it, but I lost it.