The Village Drunkard Poem by Kingsley Egbukole

Reeks of alcohol
His body, his breath alike
Shabbily dressed and unkept
With speeches slurred and unclear
Never far from palm wine joints
Where he buys little and gets more
From villagers whom he entertains

He knows everyone and everyone knows him
Including children who call him by his name
Against village norms where elders are respected
He knows who is dating who and their meeting point
He knows who belongs to what and their ploting point

Unexpectedly he regularly appears where he is not wanted
Especially at lovers hidden joints
And the coven of wicked village men
That one wonders the spirit that leads him

He says what same men fear to say
And reveals the secrets of lovers and evil men
He is loquacious but his words are wind of truth
And offenders detest him like a plague

He is the conscience of the community
Where many love him for what he reveals
An embarrassment to family members always
Who have done all to keep the drinks away
His steps are staggered and his direction unsure
He may be going right now but without choice
He suddenly turns left unannounced to go
As if directed by the goods of the land who knows.

(Monday 30 January,2020,6.45am)