My heart was the most guarded Obi
Everyone feared to approach
I gave bitter leaf for Oji
Burning arrows for greetings
You came, light-footed and unarmed
I lost my stone walls
One brick fell, each second you stood out there
I wanted you to stay, so I dug up the thorns
It wasn’t enough, I lined my courts with roses
I see you, I watch you tensely
You walk over the ruins, cautious
You don’t know, I ripped out the land mines for you
Unasked, I tore down my gates to let you in
Old habits die hard
I’d rather be found than surrender
I wait behind a crumbling curtain
My heart was the most secure Obi
Today, there are no guards
CHINYERE ODUM
Everyone feared to approach
I gave bitter leaf for Oji
Burning arrows for greetings
You came, light-footed and unarmed
I lost my stone walls
One brick fell, each second you stood out there
I wanted you to stay, so I dug up the thorns
It wasn’t enough, I lined my courts with roses
I see you, I watch you tensely
You walk over the ruins, cautious
You don’t know, I ripped out the land mines for you
Unasked, I tore down my gates to let you in
Old habits die hard
I’d rather be found than surrender
I wait behind a crumbling curtain
My heart was the most secure Obi
Today, there are no guards
*Obi - The main building in traditional compounds in Igbo Land
*Oji - Kolanut, used to welcome guests in Igbo Land
CHINYERE ODUM
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