I come from a city dominated by brown rooftops,
A place where mothers are teachers,
Teaching the most needed of all: survival,
and also to believe in the ability to sketch out one's future
In their homes, offices, roadside shops, eateries...
I come from a city,
Large and blessed with quick-witted people.
A place where fathers are dauntless,
wavering through thick and thin
without losing their resolve or letting their shoulders fall
even in the face of adversity.
I come from a city,
Home to all and sundry,
A place where children are heralds;
growing to become desirable entities
with a strong will to stand out,
bringing joy to the face of parents.
I come from a city,
home to the best of knights.
A place where great warriors dwelt and still dwell in.
With swords, brave hearts and pens,
they conquered territories,
Ask Bashorun Ogunmola, Adekunle Fajuyi and Lola Shoneyin,
I come from a city;
habitation of gods,
handsome sons and beautiful daughters;
making moves,
setting paces,
changing the world.
I come from a city,
Ibadan: eba odan: between the forest and plains.
©Akinwole John Akintayo
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