JEREMIAD: "AN ODE TO THE EXTREMIST" BY SUMAILA UMAISHA

The minaret,

light within light, 

shines the nooks

in paths entangled. 

The crescent, 

rising above the hills,

meets us at turns 

too thorny for children.

Then they came 

disguised, splashing 

the verses with painted

words that turn us 

to the path of swords.

This is not our sword

of defence, 

this is a dagger

to pluck the moon

from our eyes...

There will be no moon 

to lead us home 

after the fire, no stars,

only a blindfold, 

thick as tar 

over the theatre. 

Those of us lucky, 

drooping with soot 

left by the smoke, shall

wallow in shallow sleep 

until the final slumber. 

©SUMAILA UMAISHA 

-Nigeria 

“An Ode to the Extremist” by Sumaila Umaisha is a religious protest poem that condemns extremism and the manipulation of sacred teachings to justify violence. Through symbols such as the crescent, moon, stars, sword, and dagger, the poet contrasts genuine spiritual guidance with the destructive actions of extremists who lead people towards bloodshed. The poem warns that religious fanaticism brings suffering, destroys hope, and leaves communities in darkness and despair. It ultimately communicates the message that the misuse of religion for violent purposes undermines peace, destroys lives, and deprives humanity of the spiritual light needed to find its way home.