The Northern Road Poem by Odelana Rapheal

Upon the northern road, where solitude reigns,
I embarked, compelled by a resounding call,
More solitary than the West's barren plains,
Yet northward I ventured, heeding the call,
Where Nigeria's renown was forged.

Traveling by road proved a daunting feat,
For lack of wealth denied me flight's respite,
With scant pennies, crossing barriers discreet,
Halting oft to tame engine's warning light,
Wearied by the North's unyielding course.

In a city of sugarcane, we made our stop,
Where a merchant, with laughter tinged with rue,
Declared boldly, 'I shall reap the crop, '
Yet years drifted by, his fortune askew,
Yet unwavering, homeward he would hop.

More tales linger of the lonely sun's flight,
But such narratives must wait for another day...
This was the arduous path I treaded in plight,
This dolorous journey where fate held sway,
And thus, at dawn, my tears take flight.