EDIBLE SATISFACTION
2 min read
I write you a eulogy my dear okpa
I call you the queen of all foods
Because you feed the rich and the poor
Both the rich and the poor cook you alike
Just with water, oil, salt and pepper
You turn out so delicious to eat
Just 45minutes on fire, you’re ready to be munched
You’re not taken for granted at all
You’re like a mother, you care so much to feed us
With nostalgia I remember my childhood days
Going to school with my siblings
My mother would give us few notes and say “Use it to buy okpa”
With joy we would run to meet Ada’s mother
“Give us okpa, we will concurrently say”
I smile as she brings you out finely wrapped in banana leaf
I munch you hot while I open my mouth slightly to free the vapour
A bit of you I wouldn’t want to fall on the ground
Very rich in protein you are
When you’re hot, you’re the sweetest to eat
My dear ‘okpa Nsukka’
You used to be known in just my region
But you oh mother has travelled far and near
In search of people to feed, and yes you’re now known by many
They now enjoy and seek you
Keep feeding your children
So beautiful you’re to behold
The sight of you makes me salivate
Thank you for satisfying our hunger
Thank you for feeding both young and old
I appreciate you today and forever, I stand in awe of you
A mother cannot forget her children
So, keep yielding in surplus when we plant you
I salute you my dear OKPA.
By Marilyn Ossai.
