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Father Dances, Not I By Tega Ohwerhoye

23/2/2018

1 Comment

 
I am having to unlearn things -
Like the gift of the journey is not always in the arrival.

I am having to unlearn things -
That I do not need the night's darkness
I am enough.

I am having to unlearn things -
This stem that I am,
Stem off Father's tree,
Is too heavy for me.
Eagles and vultures find solace here
And I am to touch the earth every time.
This is good for Father
For His roots are sunken deep in the sea.

But I swing back and forth in the whistling of lover boys
Strolling past at dusk with lilies for roses
I like to be the stem that I am
But to be firm
Not a companion to every passing shadow

I am learning that I may one day break
And a whistling will drop me on a rock.
I am having to unlearn to be a tree -
To be Father.
​
Tega Ohwerhoye was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He is mostly interested in poetry and flash fiction. His works explore the themes of identity, home, and religion, among others.
1 Comment
Oluwatimilehin
6/3/2018 01:59:20 am

This poem engages the reader to be imaginative, or else the core message will not be grasped. The progression of lines is also captivating.
I really enjoyed reading this

Reply



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  • Publications
    • Submit to Us
    • Nigerian Writers Database
    • Anthologies >
      • ETB Anthology
      • AEAnthology
      • WAD Anthology
      • CBS Anthology
      • 2020 Why I Write
      • 2019 Why I Write
    • Interviews
    • Book Reviews
  • Fellowships
    • Writing Fellowship
    • Advantage Program
    • Advancement Fellowship
  • Contests
    • Monthly Bookstore Gift-card
    • Annual Poetry Contest
    • SWAP >
      • SWAP 2022 Winners
      • SWAP 2021 Winner
      • SWAP 2020 Winner
  • SprinNG Lit
  • Donate
  • About
    • Annual Report
    • Quicklinks
    • Events >
      • 2023 MFA