BLIND EYES

ENITAN ABDULTAWAB

In a sick relief I guess

Would I sit back and watch it all?

A pointed stick that would pierce one’s eyes

Is to be avoided while it is still far.

I tell you, watch out for the blind eyes

That will pursue the pregnant woman of Ado

To search for bringer of Aje

And wander for killers of wants

Under the big ball of fire.

What of these blind eyes

Tell Ijapa and Yannibo to run for their lives

Because the mighty elephant has risen

From the pit concealed with mats and leaves.

Do not tell me to keep quiet

When I see these eyes run away

With Eleshin Oba far away miles

Only to whistle into the ears of silent nights.

Why not let me shut their mouths?

They will chase out our voices

Which is no near vernacular

Our voices will not be toned within the formal walls

And under our thatched roofs

Haste, and nothing more is needed

To align with our rags,

For blind eyes do not wear rags

The pearls that will be hated with scorn.

O Villain! I shall come to your table

To spill that which run your stomach

When you sway your heads and hips

To the tune of rigid concerto.

I tell you, because the man who marries a new wife,

Forgets the long serving wife

Of his yesteryear.

ENITAN ABDULTAWAB BOLUWATIFE

born 31 July, 2000, is a Nigerian poet, essayist and content editor. Enitan was born the second of four in a Yoruba family in Sagamu, a local government in Ogun State. He attended Faithful Muslim Children School, Sagamu. He is presently a first year student in the English Department of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State. His work has been accepted for publication in The Shuttle journal of UNILAG English Department. He has been published by Gabi magazine. He also emerged as the second runner-up in the MSSN writing contest.