Funom Makama Poet Ode

Notes About The Poem

This is a poem about Nigeria. Nigeria is a Nation of 521 different tribes and 9 extinct ones (lines 1 & 2). It is the most populous black Nation and one out of every five black Africans is a Nigerian (lines 3, 4 & 5). The first known settlers of the country are those from the NOK tribe (line 6). A town in Nigeria with the name Igbo-Ore is known to have the most twin birth incidence in the world, in fact, at least 4 times more than any other part of the world (line 8) and it also inhabits the most diversified butterflies in the world (line 9). Despite its rich natural & human resources, it is still one of the poorest in the world (lines 11- 15). Hope you enjoy it and feel very free to add more facts about Nigeria.

Wilderness In the Rainforest

It is a tree of five hundred one and twenty different fruits
with nine others totally disenfranchised
in a garden of more than a colour of grapes
a black bunch out of every five same
is its numerical contribution in such defined location

A flowing stream, originating from the Nok aboriginals
has created different hundreds of tributaries
in its inland is a town where fertility is ambidextrous
and the most diversified of the colourful flying beauties
is found within its territory

A family possessing envious wealth but seemingly a myth
b’cos of the Mephistophelian deeds of its guardians
its house, built on land where toothpick germinates to a monstrous tree
and man power capable of producing half a continent of sky scrapers
yet six out of every ten of its members
are less comfortable than a pet in the west

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Mel Brake April 28, 2015 at 9:33 AM Beautiful poem of unity and diversity. Very well written.-Mel Funom Makama May 4, 2015 at 10:28 AM Thank you so much Mel

Julia Ward April 17, 2015 at 12:00 PM You are welcome, Funom. :)

Julia Ward April 14, 2015 at 11:03 AM Yours is a deep poem deserving of several readings in order to develop an increased understanding of what you are saying about your powerful country. My best wishes, Julia Funom Makama April 17, 2015 at 11:48 AM thank you for your fantastic and encouraging words Julia.. I really appreciate them. Once again thanks

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders March 29, 2015 at 6:33 PM Wow, an amazing piece of work...so powerful and thought provoking! Funom Makama April 1, 2015 at 8:15 AM Thank you so much Rhonda Johnson-Saunders.... I really, really appreciate it

Njeri Hunjeri March 29, 2015 at 1:17 AM I respect this poem. This is an amazing piece of work. I love Nigerian songs and nollywood movies are very entertaining. My fav "its house, built on land where toothpick germinates to a monstrous tree and man power capable of producing half a continent of sky scrapers". #7 Funom Makama April 1, 2015 at 8:11 AM Its nice to know you identify with the poem... You seem and sound Namibian, but I will guess South Africa.... I also appreciate your rating too

Constance La France March 28, 2015 at 1:21 PM Funom, your ode is epic, so deep and profound and your last line tells it all, so well written, a perfect 7 rating from me and thanks for visiting my poem, in the garden . . . Funom Makama April 1, 2015 at 8:10 AM Oh Broken Wings... I really appreciate your words

Peter Lewis Holmes March 26, 2015 at 5:54 PM Thought provoking Funom! Funom Makama April 1, 2015 at 8:09 AM Thank you very much Peter homes

Graphite Drug March 26, 2015 at 4:08 PM Great original work!, I haven't read anything like it. Culture, history, and metaphor, an amazing combination. It is direct without being uncomfortable. Funom Makama April 1, 2015 at 8:08 AM Thank you so much Graphite for the encouraging observation. I really, really appreciate it