Kebbi, Poem by Umulkulsum Sarki

KEBBI, a voice in and out of ancestors
A, tales that tell us & tell them of
how beautifully we have transformed
A tales that tell them & tell us of how
We excelled in education and health
A tales that tell them and tell us of
keeping you awake, KEBBI, with patriotic cries & struggles
KEBBI, a voice interrogating pains.
A tongue that sang its songs.
Of the people climbing the ladder to success. Because here is KEBBI
DOORS always finds a home in you.

I AM four leagues away from home
I rolled out of mind’s bed
With two thousand seven hundred songs of your bravely songs sang me song
Even though it’s April, KEBBI, i’ve said my wishes. I have you happiness and sadness have no power over me.

I AM four leagues away from home
I rolled out of wishes’ bed
Flowers bloom watches bronze sky sheds its pale worries.
The earth needs a garment of shower.
It’s April no more, Oh! rain of ice, water me with KEBBI.
My wish old & new to the colour of BIRNIN KEBBI. Happiness hear me or not, reach me or not, I am BIRNIN KEBBI, I roll, I roll.

I AM four leagues away from you

I rolled out of anger’s bed. Watches
trees of fears shed for the sobbing year
December drags its dry feet into silver-less January
I’ve realized April leaving its empty hollow as traps.
O tall, white green city of ajar doors
KEBBI the unconquered zeal, where
fallen heroes left their swords standing
For me to fight for my happiness and freedom, I need you.

Umulkulsum Sarki is a final year student of Usman Danfordio University Sokoto, Sokoto State.