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Mbiam (The Sacred Oath) by Anselm Eme
The oldest tree does not speak with a mouth.
It speaks of "The Sacred Oath".
The heart that listens learns.
The heart that laughs forgets.
Then the path begins to remember.
A stranger drinks only water,
Yet leaves a river behind.
Our fathers say:
"When an elder points to the moon, do not keep looking at his finger."
(Look beyond what you see to understand the truth.)
The axe is sharp,
But it cannot cut tomorrow.
Gold fills the hand,
Not the soul.
A broken promise grows,
Longer than a fallen tree.
The child returns,
Yet her own name hides from her.
Our people say:
"The drum remembers the hand that beats it."
(Every action returns to the one who begins it.)
The forest keeps no anger,
It keeps memory.
The wind carries no chains.
Only the footsteps,
Of words we refuse to keep.
Plant another tree.
Speak another truth.
Leave kindness where you once left pride.
For every promise leaves a footprint,
And every footprint leads us home.
Bio
Anselm Eme is a Nigerian writer, poet, banker, and independent financial consultant. He is the author of eleven books, including Whiskers, Our Kids and Us, Awake Africa!, Sages in Pursuit, and Shrieks and Giggles series. Blending finance with creative storytelling, Anselm writes with heart, clarity, and purpose. His work explores identity, culture, social justice, and human resilience. Rooted in African experience but reaching global souls, Anselm’s words invite readers into honest reflection and lasting inspiration.
Author's note
The inspiration for Mbiam (The Sacred Oath) comes from the rich oral traditions, folklore, and enduring wisdom of the peoples of the South-South region of Nigeria, where stories have long been used to teach truth, honour, respect, and responsibility.
Although this poem grows from imagination, its message is real. We often believe that promises disappear after they are spoken. Yet the heart remembers, the earth remembers, and our actions continue to speak long after our voices become silent.
This poem is dedicated to our elders, whose stories have kept truth alive from one generation to another.
It is my hope that these verses will encourage every reader to value integrity above riches, kindness above pride, and truth above fear.
For in the end, every promise leaves a footprint, and every footprint becomes part of the path we leave behind for those who come after us.
