Today, the auspicious day, when verse and rhyme go on romantic kisses.
Let poetic fervor rage, like great lkere mountain top air, when chosen to be wild and divine.
Let writers’ pens dance, unencumbered by doubt or fear,
As the spirit of Kongi, embodied in Ogun Abibiman, draws near.
Like a refreshing downpour, may the muse’s essence pour,
Inspiring us, as it did Achebe, to craft Beware soul brothers lore.
May the poetic bloodline of Ibadan, through JP Clark, revive,
Nurturing a new generation of bards, with hearts alive.
Femi Osofisan’s ebullient hand in Tender love appear. And Marinho’s Objection inject into us sanity for the good growth of our community.
Gwendolyn Brooks’ legacy, in “The Bean Eaters,” reignites,
While Carl Sandburg’s visionary spirit traverses our towns, with noble plight.
Lawino’s haunting melodies waft through the air,
As poetry, the world’s quality language, is proclaimed, without a single care.
Ase, ase, ase, iseeeee!
Calliope and Erato l command you to come now, come at once.
Let the poetic revolution begin!
— Olumide Sowunmi ’25,
