Poem: For Akwa Ibom, my Motherland, at 29!, By Borono Bassey

For Akwa Ibom, my Motherland, at 29! 

By Borono Bassey

"No, it's not yet time!"
"She will not survive!"
That was the refrain the midwives sang on the rainy afternoon when you were about to be born.

You were convinced that your mother's womb was no longer habitable.
Cross River, your mother must have been very scared given the concerns of the midwives.
Your father - Nigeria, a courageous and optimistic man knew was convinced that it was the right time.
"Do whatever it takes, she will come out safely!" He told the midwives.
A few prodding of "Push!" "Push!!" and you came forth.
That Wednesday, the fears and anxiety were replaced by jubilations.
Seconds became minutes,
Minutes, grew to become hours,and then days,
Days turned into weeks, and pushed behind by months.
Months snowballed into years
Each phase came with a new level of growth.
Today you are 29!
Through the years, I have practically watched you grow,
From a naive little girl into a lady with a purpose,
From your firm breast many children have sucked, and weaned.
They have grown into great men and women.
Today, unlike that Wednesday afternoon of September 1987, everyone believes that IT'S TIME!
It's time for you to enter another level of growth.
It's time for you to bless more of your sons and daughters.
Because you are named after the Almighty God,
Because your life has always been imbued with celebrations,
We are sure that God Almighty which you are named after will bless your sons and daughters wherever they are scattered.
Happy anniversary, our motherland!
Flourish more!
© Borono Bassey