Poem: “The Churchyard Elegy” by Òjó Adésojí Rufus

The Churchyard Elegy

In sacred spaces where altruism's call
Resonates deeply, a calamitous scene unfolds
Destitute souls, driven by desperation's pangs
Rush forth with reckless abandon, fate's dark wings

A chaotic stampede of hearts, ablaze with need
Yearning for sustenance, dignity's fleeting creed
But amidst the turmoil, death sows its somber seed
Many lives extinguished, some more forever scarred

In a churchyard where benevolence once reigned
Palliative aid became a fatal, cruel game
The frenzy of want, unbridled and uncontrolled
Exposed humanity's frailty, young lives grown old

Oh, the poignant irony that in hallowed ground
Death claimed its victims, peace and tranquility unbound
A haunting reminder of life's precarious plight
Where survival's struggle can ignite the darkest night

O, Departeds, may you find eternal solace and rest,
O, the living, let's temper our quest for aid with mercy and grace,
Lest we forget the sacred value of human life's fleeting breath,
And deflate the ball of life, inflaters can't give the breath.

- Òjó Adésojí Rufus

In loving memory of the lives lost in the tragic Christmas food distribution stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

About the Poem

“The Churchyard Elegy” is a deeply moving and contemplative poem that delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of a catastrophic stampede at a church, where individuals driven by desperation and poverty rushed to receive palliative aid. This poignant poem lays bare the intricate and devastating intersection of socio-economic disparities, existential desperation, and mortality, exposing the darker, more unsettling aspects of human existence.

The poem masterfully conveys the intense emotional turmoil and somber reflections that arise from this tragic event. With profound sensitivity, it captures the anguish, the despair, and the sense of loss that pervades the lives of those affected, as well as the broader social implications of such a calamity.

“The Churchyard Elegy” is not merely an elegy for the lives lost in this tragedy; it is also a lament for the dignity and humanity that is often brutally compromised in the relentless struggle for survival. The poem is a powerful indictment of the systemic failures and societal apathy that perpetuate poverty, inequality, and human suffering.

Finally, “The Churchyard Elegy” is a stirring call to compassion, empathy, and introspection. It invites readers to confront the harsh realities of our world and to reexamine their own positions with the sacred value of human life. Through its thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative, the poem encourages us to engage in a deeper reflection on our collective humanity, our moral obligations, and our capacity for kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Related:

• Poem: “Obutun’s Plea” by Òjó Adésojí Rufus
• Poem: “Ògbólôgbó Àjàò” by Òjó Adésojí Rufus

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