By Sumaila Isah Umaisha
‘Life is short’ is a cliché used by many to describe the transient nature of life. Looking at it from a physical or material perspective, one cannot deny the fact. The span from birth to death is indeed short. Even those living above a hundred years will tell you so because they have actually stopped enjoying life some years back. Food no longer tastes as palatable as it used to because the taste buds are no longer as sharp and ‘greedy’ as they used to be. The eyes can no longer see distant and tiny objects because they have seen enough and are now tired.
On the spiritual level, however, life is not just long but eternal. This is the point Mohammad Ohitoto attempts to make in most of the poems in his recently published collection titled, Forever, whose unveiling and public presentation comes up on Saturday, the 7th of September, 2024, at the Auditorium of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The 147-page collection, published by M.O. Press, Kaduna (2024), focuses on various themes ranging from history, cultural dynamics, and social realities, especially the current state of affairs relating to morality, justice, poverty, corruption, etc. Most are based on the author’s direct observation of the actual happenings, hence, the collection could be said to be a reflection of personal and interpersonal experiences, of the current situation in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
As earlier pointed out, the collection’s main theme is the ability of man to live forever. According to the poems, man is an eternal being by his spiritual nature. The soul or spirit is immortal and continues to exist beyond the physical body’s lifespan.
This is not just philosophical musings by the author but a scientifically backed claim. According to science, everything including humans is made up of energy, and energy never dies. It can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed through the law of perpetual transmutation of energy. The author artistically uses this scientific fact as a metaphor and literal meaning for life’s eternal nature.
On another level, the poems hint at the immortality of the written word, memories and legacies. They live on forever. The author calls on mankind to live an upright, productive life, contributing to the development of humanity because the impact a man has on others, his achievements and the memories he creates outlast his physical existence. In other words, life is a continuum, a continuous journey with no end; an interconnected web of existence that benefits pure souls.
On the whole, the poet is urging the readers to embrace the idea that life is forever, inspiring them to cherish every moment of their life, cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of existence, and try to eventually leave a legacy that would immortalise them. In the poem titled ‘Forever’, he calls on Ihinegba (God) to:
…Free my mind
Protect my thoughts
Let my ink flow
Free from man’s encumbrances…
That I may inscribe my muse
To revere you
And deliver man from himself. (page 2).
In terms of literary strength, the poems are well crafted, thought-provoking and deeply touching. Full of poetic devices like metaphors, alliteration, similes, personification, and symbolism, the messages are so vividly captured that despite the intellectual depth, every reader can access and learn from the invaluable lessons therein.
Mohammad Ohitoto Hussein is an award-winning writer, journalist, administrator and public relations expert. He attended the prestigious Government College, Keffi, Bayero University, Kano and Benue State University, Makurdi. He holds a BA in English and History and a Masters in International Relations & Strategic Studies. Ohitoto, a one-time Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Nasarawa State, had a working stint with the Television arm of the Plateau Radio Television Corporation, Jos, Nasarawa Broadcasting Service, Lafia, and Office of the Head of Civil Service, Nasarawa State. He retired recently from the Federal Civil Service as the Head of Public Relations of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Headquarters, Abuja.
Umaisha, a writer and poet, is on the staff of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja.
