Odudukoko Poem by Esther Negbo

I saw you in the late 90s
When i was like a slob
I traded on the streets of
Odudukoko
There on those streets was
My childhood
Right in my neborhood
I walked sleeped in your arms
Street lights where not in sight
In odudukoko

Every kid was a hustler
Every mother a trader
Every father dares not stay idle
In odudukoko

I had my little cheerful moment
In odudukoko
Even though the street was an
Eyesore
The shining stars were neva Harsh on neither I nor Effiong
I had friends who arn't here Anymore but their memories Are part of me
I had brothers and at a time
I heard nothin of some but
Their memories stil with me
Am never sad neither are my
Overly joyed
That is life in full
Its a two side thing

We bargained what we wanted
We had our first dreams
We had our first kiss and
Warm embrace in Odudukoko

The Army day was a fine gatherin
The Awkunanu Street follows suit
The Itam Market, there we had
Cheap stocks.
Yes, we did in Odudukoko

Boki was a friend, a dear one
Mother loves her like a fine scented rose.

Odudukoko is one experience
I can't forget if nature permits
Am neither sad nor overly joyed when in Odudukoko.

Those streets where kids run On panties with no fear of Naked eyes.
Those markets where women Blows their whistles with Mouths
Those side bars where men sit
Over cups of palm wine after
Each day's work.
Then i heard a scream in my
Head
Asking me to wake up to the
New Era
Tellin me about new friends And better places
But how can i forget Awkunanu or Odudukoko?
What about Boki or even my
Favourite Itam market?
No! I can't leave those behind
There were and still in me
Just as my foot march are in
Odudukoko.