THRENODY: "THE BLOOD SHED ON A PALM SUNDAY: A TRAGIC MOMENT IN JOS” BY ABIODUN MOSHOOD O.

Palm Sunday turned to sorrow’s night,

A night of grief, a tragic sight.

Innocent souls, so pure and true,

Were cut down by the cold, cruel hue.

The echoes of screams, the bloodstained floor,

Mothers weep, their hearts in sorrow’s door.

A child’s cold body, a mother’s cry,

Why, oh why, must they die?

The wicked roam, in faith they hide,

Spoiling peace, their hearts aligned with pride.

They cloak their sins in a veil of might,

Killing the innocent, day and night.

What causes this senseless strife?

Why the North, and endless life?

Is it terror, or a twisted creed?

These questions haunt, a nation’s need.

Enough of bloodshed, enough of pain,

Governments must act, let peace remain.

We yearn for safety, for love and light,

No more the sound of guns on a peaceful night.

Let peace prevail, let love shine through,

Nigeria, rise, and let us be anew.

No more the tears, no more the cries,

Let Palm Sunday’s sorrow turn to peaceful skies.

© Abiodun Moshood O.

-Nigeria

This poem is a poignant and powerful response to the tragic Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Nigeria. The poet vividly captures the contrast between the expected joy of Palm Sunday and the horrific violence that unfolded, using imagery like "sorrow's night" and "bloodstained floor" to convey the devastating impact. The poem questions the motivations behind the attack, highlighting the senselessness of the violence and the suffering of innocent victims, particularly children. The poet also critiques those who perpetrate violence in the name of faith, emphasizing the contradiction between such acts and true religious teachings. The poem's tone shifts from grief and outrage to a call for peace, love, and government action, ending with a hopeful message of resilience and renewal. The use of rhetorical questions, repetition ("enough of bloodshed, enough of pain"), and metaphors ("sorrow's door", "veil of might") adds depth and emotional resonance to the poem, making it a compelling lament and plea for change.