Written piece
Whistling Pines
Emmanuel Dike
Nigeria
About this piece
This submission is a poetic reflection on resilience, strength, and finding light during our darkest times. Inspired by the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth, it uses the metaphor of wind whispering through pine trees to show how we can turn life's hardships into our own unique
Whistling Pines
Whistle whistle whistling pines
In this moonless, windy night
Remind me while I'm still alive,
The dark is where a star can shine
Deep within your subtle roar
Tell the tale of how you turned
The wind that made the great oak fall
Into your own mysterious song
Let your song cleanse my thoughts
Rooting out what says ‘‘I CAN’T’’
That this world be not deprived
Of the wonders that within me lie
Whistle whistle whistling pines
In this long and dreadful night
When I cannot see the light
I will know it’s time to shine.
~ Iyke báábá