I love the fisherman
With his boat and net and patience
He has ransacked the seas
And brought home fish and crab
To chase the stranger in my stomach away
I love the blacksmith
He has gone through fire
To mint me guns and swords and shields
So that the enemies of my country
Shall see me and flee
I love the teacher
With the price of the chalk
He has bought me sense
At folly’s expense
And now I am wise
I love the soldier
He whips me to his whims
Points my attention to his gun
Flexes his broad chest
And says to shoot me if I don’t love him
And I love the poet
Because he has taught me
To love the first three for love
To love a soldier for fear
And to love a poet for he is a poet
Written by: Nick Nazz Obodokasi Agbor
Edited by: Kukogho Iruesiri Samson