Igbo

By

Obododimma Oha.

Finally, it is Igbo-against-Igbo,
Isu kworo mma gbue onwe ha!
What the guns could not kill,
The treacherous words of the kinsfolk will.

Listen to the painful refrain
Of the spiteful song:
Hate yourself and deny yourself
Hate yourself to deny yourself
Hate yourself to upgrade yourself
Deny yourself to win applause !

But if you could betray yourself in the changing colours
Of patriotism, to try to impress the ilo
Would you then be trusted …
At last, a good Igbo out there?


The spreading stench of self-hate poisons the morning breeze,
Igbo-bashing
Igbo-lashing
Igbo-bullying
Igbo-hating…

Finally kinsfolk,
Self has ruined self
Trying to be the other.