POETRY: "PROPHECY I – BLAME GAME"

The following is a soon to be published poem by Tosin Otitoju.

How does it feel to be a problem?

Tell me, Nigeria.  Let us talk. 

What happened?

Is it…

me, us, the people,

who have slandered you

and named you scapegoat

to cover up our laziness?

Is it…

them, Britain, America,

who beat you as a child

then mock you as a large-limbed

but small-brained man?

Is it…

God

God

God

whom you call daily

who tells you to come back,

to wait, Oga no dey office –

Is it He that wastes your time?

Is it…

your wife, her name, Corruption?

Just marry another wife. 

There are women out there

who make a man prosperous.

I don’t know why you have no money left

but I do know that when you stand up you will be praised

and the shame of the past will be quickly forgotten.

Let’s go Nigeria.  Vamonos!

Much thanks to Tosin Otitoju of UpNaira for once again contributing to Nigerian Curiosity as an Honorary Guest Writer for May 2010. Tosin is a highly respected writer and blogger. Her soon to be published book of poetry 'Comrade' will be available in Nigeria and elsewhere in July 2010.

If you would like to be a Guest Writer for Nigerian Curiosity, please use the 'Contact' button above to reach SolomonSydelle, the blog administrator.

Please read other contributions from previous Nigerian Curiosity Guest Writers -
- Dr. Joseph Okpaku's Barack Obama & America: Who Needs Who More 
- Osize's 'Economics of Nollywood: Price'
- Aloofar's 'When Will Nigerians Have Enough?'
- Tosin's 'Fantasy Federal Executive Council Team'
- Temie's 'Sweetening Motherhood'