This poem was composed by veteran poet and legendary writer, Niyi Osundare in honour of another eminent writer, Wole Soyinka.
The poem captures the Nobel Prize winner’s background, activities, and achievements. We hope you find the poem encouraging enough to pick up a pen and start writing.
Wole Soyinka By Niyi Osundare
Son of Isara
Son of Ake
Where rock trades greetings
With people on busy streets
Long, long, is the reach
Of your pen,
Of your minds which bubbles
Like fresh palm wine,
Your voice is rich and deep
Like the sound of ancient drums
Justice warrior
Man of courage
Summons every word
In your Books of Life
Your star shines
In narrow alleys and public square
Ripening yam fields leave
Their fattest tuber at your door
The vineyard seasons your throat
With its rarest wines
Akinwande, omo Soyinka*,
The earth throbs
Beneath your gentle feet:
Mould a song from its clump of clay.
