Son Of Father Poem by Chibueze Oscar Osuji

Did I not see him a fortnight ago
Pale was the sight in red blurring glow,
Did I not weep along the hut repose
And rent my garment and beads dispose;
With copp'r and zinc chains he was dragg'd away
As flocking sheep being mislead out astray.

Surely, my pinna knew his wails were dim
That brought cowries-paid men to strike 'cross him
I knew the red mud quake beneath their feet
A hundred-fold men made his defeat
In that warring moor where peace never grow,
Discord all the way in perpetual sow.

Did I not know when I left him yon,
Him; my dear father betray'd by the son,
I took his swiftest horse to safety's cross
A longer life I gain'd all for father's loss
My lungs betrothal into this whirl-air
My father and his gods see me unfair.

Did I not voyage home-ward to his wives
Spill'd a pseudo-tale to those wedded lives
They did acquaint themselves; my shameful lies
Made quicken'd by impostor shed cries
Did I not know and saw him captive
How he begg'd; I smil'd in my unforgive.

I being a bloodline of his flesh and bone
Taken all wealth he once had call'd his own,
Now, did I not stare at my r'flection face
Now, did I not see father's interphase
Did I not see an apparition post
On my face, of my dead father's poor ghost
Did I? , tell me: - -I did.