Observatory Nigeria Poem by Chris Jibero

World: Lifelong school, graduating only the dead
Life: Knotty, endless course
Men: Happy servants of women and children
Women: People of the moment
Matrimony: Diplomacy at work
Children: Life assurance and name relay racers
Relatives: Arm-chair critics extraordinaire
Friends: A mixed grill; eagles and hawks

Religion: Safeguard of the society
Church: Soothing balm for frayed nerves
Clergy: Emulate Christ only, not them
Market: What goes up stays there

Politics: Depot of lies and deceits
Politicians: A gang of smart elites
Government: Inexhaustible honey pot
Democracy: General funds for a few
Governors: A new oligarchy in the making
Legislators: Governors' wards

Military: Caged, hungry lions
Police: Friends of the rich
Security: You are on your own, the heavens for us all
Teachers: Rewarded now in cash and kind on earth
Lawyers: Smile only to the rich
Doctors: A little dropp of water in the ocean
Engineers: Are they here?
Bankers: The more you look, the less you see
Journalists: Sniffer Alsatians whittled down by fear of parcel-of-death
Business persons: Dogs eat dogs to stay alive

Riches: Human magnet
The poor: Layers of the golden eggs that the wealthy eat
Masses: Docile waiters for divine intervention
Hospitals: Reminders of the great beyond

Others: Fit for another day discourse
Nigeria: Heaven waiting to be discovered.

(C) Chris Jibero. 2010.