Review of The Poet Lied by Odia Ofeimun

On one hand of this book, we have an endless display and buzz of the contaminated policies, the civil servant roles, the national cake and its bakers. On the other end, we have Odia describing his optimism as a writer through his personal struggles. His use of words, although slightly simple were stunning as they conveyed deep meanings and messages.

TITLE: The Poet Lied
AUTHOR: Odia Ofeimun
GENRE: Poetry
NUMBER OF PAGES: 110
PUBLISHER: Longman Group Limited UK
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1980
ISBN: 978-978-48735-3-6

Odia is a poet, a Nigerian poet and a very wealthy writer. In this collection, he writes about the controversies and complications in Nigerian politics with satire. In some of his poems, he wrote about love, admiration and the perks of being a poet. He writes of experience, the economy and the Biafra war that happened in the 60's. His poems paint the horrors of war and mocked the "so called glory" that was supposed to be won through brutality and the events of blood spills. His words on Biafra, mourns the loss of a country, a beauty and community.

On one hand of this book, we have an endless display and buzz of the contaminated policies, the civil servant roles, the national cake and its bakers. On the other end, we have Odia describing his optimism as a writer through his personal struggles. His use of words, although slightly simple were stunning as they conveyed deep meanings and messages. I was inspired to write a number of poems while reading this collection. 

Although most of the poems in it were written in the 70's, it is the kind of book that will forever be modern and relevant. The language is easy to understand and most of it created "aha moments" for me. The book is out of print in most places but if by chance you lay your hands on this book, don't let it go. Read it and I promise that it is totally worth it. I love this book so much and it's one that I can't forget.

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