THE SHIELDS THAT GUARDED THE REALMS OF ALAIGBO

You were the swords in the dark.

The shields that guarded the realms of men.

As shiny as any Knight would be

For you were as dark as night!

Your shield held back the forces of darkness.

Your ogbunigwe put the enemy to flight.

You guarded abagana like a fortress.

If you didn't, I would not have come to fruition.

Tears filled my eyes by the lines of poetry.

And poetic justice is what you deserve.

You held the door.

You held it firmly.

When the cold winter blew from up north.

You stood as men should.

You were the shields that guarded the realms of alaigbo!

You were indeed strong.

Nsogbu nsogbu, you chanted.

You would not give up.

You remembered generations to come.

And you would have been truly dead

If I remember you not!

You were the shields that guarded the realms of Alaigbo!

Your lights will never be put out.

Never!

We will recount the stories.

To our children and theirs after them.

By night, by day.

Our solemn promise stands.

By will, by might.

Our solemn vow remains!

This day, and for all other days to come!