Wonderland

A country in Africa's kaleidoscope of culture, Unique and blessed, with natural and human riches to nurture. Roles blur, names defy convention's might, Husbands are "Baby," sons are "Daddy," in this whimsical sight. Saturdays are sacred for weddings' joyful sound, Car keys and iPhones float, pocketless, without a bound. Relatives rush to bury, but shy from business aid, A paradox of priorities, in this land of ironic trade. Egusi soup in ice cream containers, a culinary surprise, Dogs named "Tiger," barbers' false promises, in compromising guise. Married men lament cheating girlfriends, a twisted web, DETERGENT is OMO, noodles are INDOMIE, in this land of branding's ebb. In this land of contradictions, "yahoo boys" are condemned, Yet secretly adored, their ill-gotten gains, a guilty pleasure to amend. "Pen robbers" wear suits, masks of respect, Called "honourables" by day, their true selves, neglected. Labourers toil, with sweat and tears, yet no fruits to show, Branded "lazy youth", their struggles, nobody knows. Altar robbers are "clergy", "men of God", or "god of men", A title to conceal, a web of deceit, a game of pretence. One medicine cures all, a panacea's promise, or so it's claimed, Alhaji for the rich, Aboki for the poor, a title's weighted game. Youthful locks turn white, elderly hair turns black, Africa, a land of wonder, where contradictions create and participate. A joy giver to the world, Africa's essence shines so bright, A land of laughter, tears, and beauty, in all its complex light. I love this country, in all its quirky, lovable, and mystifying charm, Guess the country that captivates, defies, yet charms.