DIDACTIC: "OUR TURN, NOT THEIR THORNS" BY NOAH EBIJE

It's our turn to laugh,

Their thorns made us cry,

Their thorns, not our turn.

We have carried the pain,

We have weathered the rain,

But no night lasts forever,

Nor does sorrow remain.

The chains may be strong,

The road may be long,

No bondage lasts forever,

And no suffering is lifelong.

The hands that oppressed us

Will lose their grip someday,

For time has its own seasons,

And darkness gives way to day.

The tears we shed in silence

Shall become streams of joy,

What was meant to break us,

Shall make us stronger.

For every thorn has its turn,

Storm must lose its might,

Every captive has a freedom,

Every darkness meets the light.

Let them have their thorns,

Let them boast as they can, 

No thorn is ever permanent,

It will soon be our turn to rule

It's our turn to laugh,

Their thorns made us cry,

Their thorns, not our turn.

©NOAH EBIJE

-Nigeria 

2026.

“Our Turn, Not Their Thorns” by Noah Ebije is a protest and inspirational poem that explores oppression, suffering, resilience, and the hope for eventual liberation. The poet expresses the pain experienced by the oppressed at the hands of those who wield power unjustly, while emphasising that no condition of suffering or domination lasts forever. Through images of thorns, chains, storms, darkness, and light, the poet highlights the temporary nature of oppression and the possibility of a better future. He encourages those enduring hardship to remain strong and hopeful, believing that their tears will eventually turn into joy and their struggles into strength. The poem ultimately conveys that power is transient, oppression will not last forever, and the oppressed will eventually have their moment of freedom, triumph, and happiness.