Ògbólôgbó Àjàò
(The Great Flying Squirrel with Flat Laps)
You made me know -
What initially I didn't know,
That flying isn't just solely for birds;
That you too can glide like birds.
Ògbólôgbó Àjàò, you're always atop,
Sailing through treetops,
Avoiding land-bound predators,
And turning to dodge flying actors.
You perch in tree cavities,
Where you watch other animals' activities.
You roost in abandoned nests, woodpecker's hole -
Is that how you safeguard your humble soul?
Ògbólôgbó Àjàò, why are your legs flat?
Are they the power that makes you slat?
You scurry about, only in the middle of night.
Are you so afraid of broad daylight?
Ògbólôgbó Àjàò, you robe in some sparkles
From your firm wrists down to your potent ankles,
All of which you use to steer clear
Of hunters or midnight roving rangers.
At Odò Àwírìgì, you were a fun and alluring creature.
Then, how could I get to the bottom of your nature?
Before, I thought your strength was in your laps,
But now I agree that your strength is in your flaps.
Ògbólôgbó Àjàò, you delight in humming at night.
To me, as a young boy, you were the Devil's Knight.
Àjàò, the flying squirrel, are you bird or rodent?
Ògbólôgbó Àjàò, you are a soaringly gliding rodent!
— Òjó Adésojí Rufus
About the Poem
The poem “Ògbólôgbó Àjàò” is a captivating and imaginative exploration of the natural world, centered around the fascinating creature of the flying squirrel. The poem is presented from the perspective of a speaker who has gained a newfound appreciation and understanding of the flying squirrel’s unique characteristics and abilities.
The poem begins with the poet expressing his initial ignorance of the flying squirrel’s capabilities, which is promptly dispelled as he observes the creature’s gliding abilities. The poet is struck by the flying squirrel’s agility and adaptability, as it navigates through the treetops with ease, avoiding predators and other dangers.
As the poem progresses, the poet becomes increasingly fascinated with the flying squirrel’s behaviour, habits, and physical characteristics. He notes the creature’s flat legs, its nocturnal behaviour, and its ability to roost in abandoned nests. The poet also wonders about the flying squirrel’s sparkles, which seem to play a role in its ability to evade danger.
“Ògbólôgbó Àjàò” takes a reflective turn as the poet recalls, when he was a boy, his initial encounter with the flying squirrel at Odò Àwírìgì. He admits to having been fascinated by the creature’s nature, but also confused about its classification as a bird or rodent. The poet ultimately concludes that the flying squirrel is a unique creature that defies categorisation.
Throughout the poem, the poet’s tone is one of wonder, curiosity, and admiration for the flying squirrel’s remarkable abilities. The poem’s use of imagery, metaphor, and other literary devices helps to create a vivid and immersive portrait of the flying squirrel, while also exploring broader themes of discovery, appreciation, and respect for the natural world.
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