By Chiamaka Okafor

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This poem invites you on a journey into a piece of my identity and culture.

“The culture that fulfills my spirit, warm as the sun, as I press my feet against the toasty ground again,”

Obodo m, My Country,

Welcomed by the beaming sun glowing over the neverending tall trees that reach the sky
Elders being greeted as they are welcomed into the room

Obodo m, My Country,

Kids running around and playing outside as the older daughter helps Ma cook food, 
The glorious smell of the fumes from the big pot filled with rice flows through the air.

Obodo m, My Country,

Women and men in the market selling fresh foods, plantains, tomatoes, and more, to make a living. Customers picking and feeling each piece of fruit to know which is ripe

Obodo m, My Country,

Hearing people converse in their hundreds of native languages, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulfulde, Igbo and so many more.

Obodo m, My Country,

The hours of pounding yam,…. being turned into delicious Poundo to eat with Egusi soup for the whole family.

Obodo m, My country,

Kola being used in marriages and to settle disputes.

Elders being offered Kola nut from the Kola tree,The elders say, “O nye wetara oji wetera ndu” “Who ever brings kola nut, brings life”

Obodo m, My Country,

Children showing off their freshly done braids and tightly plaited hair

Obodo m, My Country,

Money traveling from one hand to another and another and another, never ending,

Obodo m, My Country,

Storytellings during the night to the children, like the story of the mosquito who whispered lies into the ears of the animals to turn them against each other

Obodo m, My Country,

Watching the rise of Nollywood movies becoming one of the most looked upon, creative industries in the continent. And from where? 

Obodo m, My Country,

Watching the World Cup; seeing our soccer team, one of the best in the world competing against the other nations

Obodo m, My Country,

Large producer of oil and other natural resources, traded from one country to another, being depended on

Obodo m, My Country,

Beautiful cities, Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Benin, Calabar, Owerri, and Onitsha, has beautifully crafted buildings glowing all night,
Large mansions and vernacular architecture decorate the villages, cities, and towns that shine with beauty.

Obodo m, My Country,

People arguing over which country has the better rice, 
Obviously ours

Obodo m, My Country,

The beautiful and colorful prints and patterns shown on the cloths and head wraps that catch your eye, people stare in awe as the pieces are shown off, 
Big celebrations lasting from dawn to dusk: people snacking on chin chin and puff puff as the main dishes are being cooked throughout the party, 
They dance to the beat of the drums and beautiful melodies.

Obodo m, My Country,

People hugging each other as they say see you soon, for it is not the end,
Stepping out of the motherland.

Nka bu obodo m, this is my country, 

Welcomed back again by my relatives,
The culture that fulfills my spirit, warm as the sun, as I press my feet against the toasty ground again, 
Saying to myself …. I am home

Nka bu obodo m, … this, is my country.

Process

This piece came to life for a poetry assignment. I wanted to express my connection to my Nigerian heritage in the ways I know best as well as showcase my admiration for this part of my identity. I utilized specific aspects of my heritage and used Igbo (my cultural tongue) language proverbs and words to further describe my message.