Ode To Nnewi

Nnewi;
That ancient town in the heart of Ana-mbara
The only surviving kidney of a fecund state
Knighted by sojourners in search of daily bread
Bloated with bellicose but ingenious tradesmen

Nnewi;
Are you the aged mother
That nurtured the royal town of Otolo?
Did your womb bare the fertile land of Umudim?
Is the belligerent Uruagu your offspring?
What of the sloppy hinterland Nnewichi, is she yours?

Nnewi;
Blessed are you among towns
The fertility of your soil has fed many a people.
Like a mother hen, you've nurtured myriad brood
Your wares have attracted fortune hunters from far away
As they tell tale of your industrious buoyancy

Nnewi;
How did you come about your unique tongue?
Tongue which distinguishes you among brethrens
Tongue sounding like sweet soul music;
Amahom, Ohom, Ina atu uga!
Special dialect for special people

Nnewi;
If I will abiku past this path again
Then your umbilical chord will still be my link
For this deep fraternal love we share
Is all that I ever want to bear.
Like love, I love thee, like faith I believe thee

Chukwu Onye Okike, gozi we zielum Nnewim.