Jankoriko

He was running
And the wind caught in his clothes as he was running There was no doubt in his
mind he’d get to soaring Above Ebute Meta bustle, free and climbing
But the dread fear in his eyes as he was running
And the maddening crowd in chase, who were seething
Knew no victory would come of all his running
In the burning sun of that September morning
Anyone could see that soon
The bough would break
The claim that dust will stake
On every man was soon to be redeemed And yes! Justice tipped her scales
Into the angry chant of Jankoriko
Pleading
With his eyes but not his voice, he was begging But they wouldn’t hear his plea
as they were crying For Ebute Meta retribution dealing
Not the dime a dozen penalties for stealing From the limited supply of what
gives meaning To the up and down and to and fro of living When the living is
almost as hard as dying
Till every one can see
The bough would break
The claim that dust will stake
On every man was soon to be redeemed And yes! Justice tipped her scales
Into the angry chant of Jankoriko
Help! None but none is safe
Where every one must live as noose and victim So Justice you be damned
For we must sing the chant of Jankoriko
Till it’s complete
It’s like he knew all but judged only me Now the chanting won’t stop deep
within…