AUTHOR’S NOTE

ÌRÒKÒ ÀKÓKÒ (The Iroko Tree of Time) was inspired by the quiet struggle shared by millions of people who work tirelessly to build a better future while risking the loss of the present.

Rooted in African wisdom and the timeless image of the mighty iroko tree, this poem reminds us that work should support life, not replace it.

My hope is that every reader will find the courage to slow down, treasure the people they love, and remember that the richest life is one lived with purpose, balance, gratitude, and peace.

This poem is dedicated:

“To Everyone Who Rises Before Dawn To Provide For Those They Love”.

“To Every Parent, Worker, Dreamer, And Silent Giver”.

“To Those Who Carry Heavy Responsibilities Without Losing Hope”.

“And To Every Heart Searching For The Courage To Choose People Over Possessions, Peace Over Pressure, And Purpose Over Pride”.

Happy Reading,
Anselm Eme

• Listing ID: 39452
• Poetry Author's Name: Anselm Eme
• Poem: ÌRÒKÒ ÀKÓKÒ
  (The Iroko Tree of Time)
  
  Every morning,
  The clock knows my name before my children do,
  I wear a smile with my clean shirt,
  And leave my real face,
  Hanging quietly behind the front door.
  
  The office is a river,
  Every chair carries another dream downstream,
  We build houses for strangers,
  While our own gardens,
  Wait for our footsteps.
  
  My grandfather once said,
  "Àkókò kì í dúró de ẹni."
  (Time Waits For No One.)
  
  So I kept chasing tomorrow,
  Until today became a visitor I hardly recognized.
  
  My hands earn money,
  My heart spends itself,
  Some people climb tall offices,
  Yet cannot find the small room,
  Where peace is sitting.
  
  One evening,
  I forgot to remove my work badge,
  My little child asked,
  "Does your job know your real name?"
  
  I could not answer,
  Silence clocked me out before the machine did.
  
  Perhaps being Out of Office is not leaving the building,
  Perhaps it is returning to yourself,
  
  For even the tallest iroko tree must still remember,
  The small seed,
  That first dreamed of the sky.
• Poet's Bio: Anselm Eme is a professional banker, independent financial consultant, poet, and author of five books on Amazon. His works include the captivating "Whiskers" series, the reflective "Our Kids And Us: A Paradox Of Our Tainted Innocence," the empowering "Awake Africa! Wake-Up Africans," and the insightful "Sages In Pursuit." With a blend of financial expertise and literary talent, Anselm addresses societal issues, inspiring readers with thought-provoking themes and creative storytelling.

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