THE MORE THE MERRIER IS YOUR NOBLE SONG
(For Dotun Oladipo. Published and exhibited as part of the African Citations Exhibition in 2023)
By Akeem Lasisi
If the eagle were a petty bird
It would bar the swan from the azure sky
It would bar the swan and bar the crane
And poison the firmament with a locomotive fart
But because the eagle suffers no complex
Because it is sure of its vision and sterling strength
Because its wings were made for the aerial g-race
The more, the merrier is its trademark song.
Early caller on the digital space,
You paved the way for friends and foes
You did not slam the door against emerging platforms
You are unthreatened by the footsteps of approaching dreams
Under GOCOP wings,
You chart for professionals the sanity course
Preaching the gospel of work and eat
You protect the media’s portion in the commerce mart
Thrasher of ancient myths,
Symbol of shiny mores
You do not bless God at the expense of Caesar
You are the son of a policeman nobler than princes and princesses
Guardian of the South,
Counsellor to the North,
Emeritus mentor unblinded by colour or race
The more, the merrier is your favourite song.
