Of the Tree Fall and the Zikism Zeal
On a certain Thursday, the 30th day in the month of September, 2021, the Baluba Republic watched with great shock as the lifespan of one of its unsung heroes was abruptly cut short. Not only was the event unexpected but also unforeseen, especially because of the enduring legacy of existence of this hero. It is perceptible that this hero may have seen many generations of Zikites.
Fond of maintaining an unflinching posture and at most making slight moves as Zikites saunter past “him”, taking little or no notice of “his” presence, it suffices to say that “he” was forgotten and dead to Zikites until “his” actual death, when “he” came alive in the minds of many members of the self-acclaimed greatest hall of residence in sub-saharan Africa.
A wave of violent wind took centre stage in a most dramatic fashion on this fateful Thursday, throwing Zikites into apprehension of their safety. Meanwhile, a towering landmark of nature, sprawling on the Zik hall plain valiantly fought to retain its posture. Zikites were perhaps too engaged with preventing the wind from wreaking any havoc to realize the struggle of the tree to fight for its life. However, it did not win. The tree located right in front of C – block gave up and fell flat with a heavy thud to the ground. At that point, Zikites momentarily stopped to watch the scene.
385 days after, the only posthumous attempt made to better its state was the recent chopping away of its branches, which is only to make room for people to pass by it unconcerned. For a hall that boasts of great numerical strength, vigour and vibe. One would expect that a collective effort would be made to move the tree from where it is currently located, as it has spent over a year lying on the ground, left unattended to. Even in death, the hero is left unsung and forgotten. I am not sure how best it is to celebrate a hero of nature.
But this is sure no way to treat a hero. What is of even more concern to this columnist is how the spirit of Zikism which seeks to use every slight opportunity to show off the strength of its number in terms of togetherness, unity and oneness, seem to be in stark contrast to its treatment of the tree…
Seven the Scribbler
