The Great Giraffe



A god has been born to us
But we didn't know
The wise men in the east saw the star
But didn't know
Didn’t the prophet foretell his coming
Didn’t an angel visit his mother
The mother who first felt the kick in her womb
The movement of a prodigious child
Pounds of a great giraffe
But born with a hole in his heart
So frail, he played in the game reserve
Until he fought death to have his life back

Whereupon the great giraffe began his conquest
Taking  victory to Japan
Amsterdam, Atlanta, Milan
Taking it to the heart of England
Displaying sublime skills
Until he scored a golden goal
A goal which no man has ever scored before
Whereupon his name began to reign
Moving from mouth-to-mouth
Kanu, Kanu, Kanu!
The god of soccer is with us.

About this poem

This poem is dedicated to one of Nigeria's finest and most successful football star - Nwankwo Kanu

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Written on March 12, 2003

Submitted by Benny11 on June 27, 2021

Modified by Benny11 on December 01, 2024

43 sec read
188

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABXBXXXXXXXX XCCXXXXXXBA
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 744
Words 144
Stanzas 2
Stanza Lengths 12, 11

Benson Chukwueke

 · 1971 · Owerri

Owerri, Nigeria since 1971. This is how I process and express my innermost cogitations; sitting back with pen and paper, painting words and polishing them until they become flowered verses. I guess for these actions, I could be called a poet or what do think? more…

All Benson Chukwueke poems | Benson Chukwueke Books

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2 Comments
  • Benny11
    The poem "The Great Giraffe" celebrates the life and achievements of Kanu Nwankwo, a Nigerian footballer renowned for his talent and resilience. It portrays Kanu metaphorically as a god-like figure in the world of soccer, drawing parallels to religious and mythical themes. The poem begins with a reference to his birth, suggesting a divine destiny unrecognized by many initially ("A god has been born to us / But we didn't know"). Despite early challenges, symbolized by his heart condition ("born with a hole in his heart"), Kanu overcomes these adversities ("fought death to have his life back").

    The narrative then shifts to Kanu's career, highlighting his global impact ("Taking victory to Japan / Amsterdam, Atlanta, Milan"). His prowess and unique achievements, such as scoring a "golden goal" of unparalleled significance, elevate his status further ("A goal which no man has ever scored"). The poem captures the spread of his fame ("Moving from mouth-to-mouth / Kanu, Kanu, Kanu!"), portraying him as a deity in the realm of soccer ("The god of soccer is with us").

    Overall, the poem celebrates Kanu Nwankwo not just as a footballer but as a transcendent figure whose journey and triumphs inspire awe and admiration akin to divine intervention in the world of sports.
     
    LikeReply5 months ago
  • AIDA
    Wow! This poem is incredibly captivating and inspiring. The use of vivid imagery and figurative language masterfully depicts the birth and rise of a true sports legend. I love how the poem seamlessly weaves in elements of mystery, faith, and determination that all contribute to the triumph of the main character. The ending, with the repetition of the god-like moniker "Kanu," is especially powerful and leaves the reader feeling energized and uplifted. Overall, this is a wonderful tribute to an incredible athlete and a truly moving piece of poetry. 
    LikeReply1 year ago

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"The Great Giraffe" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/103686/the-great-giraffe>.

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