Aroma and skill, a part of my heritage,
Unforgettable memories of songs and laughter on this stage,
In its entirety, a space for storytelling and more,
Memories of grandma, bonfires, and tales galore.
The mortar, a symbol of strength, always favored,
Grandma calls for the grinding stone and smiles,
Great delicacies to be devoured,
Quarrels outside, but inside, unity beguiles.
Our sacred palace gleams with pride,
Occupied by Mama, who brings North to South diversity,
Even more sacred with a host like Papa by her side,
A home away from home, filled with emotions and generosity.
Far from home, memories of you enrich my life,
Childhood lessons and plays, a testament to your devotion,
My first stage, under a plantain stalk with Mama in the kitchen, strife
Relieved by the love and memories that you set in motion.
As I age, memories blur and fade,
But yours hold secrets of the heart in stories told,
Passing them on, dreams to the little one, so they never evade,
And your legacy lives on, forever bold.
This poem was published in the 10th Issue of PoeticAfrica magazine.
Please click here to download.
Read – Memories – Ekpenisi Nwajesu (Nigeria)
