Esan is Beautiful
is a collection of poems and prose pieces about my childhood experiences in Esanland, Edo State, Nigeria. Those experiences are described as thoughts and themes that are true reflections encapsulating day to day experiences of living in Esanland as a child. It was a journey filled with nostalgia and thought provoking; and at the same time evoking relevant memory. Articulating these words were not easy; but the details are linked to the images and folklore of the Esan people who are closely connected with the Edo people. The elderly folks long gone would use words associated with the Ogisos and the Igodomigodo - touching of the flora and fauna of Esanland with excitement. Those were the days of folktales that make more human sense than the modern day Television and Radio. Those were the days you would hurriedly consume your plate of food in the evening so you would rush to the playground to participate in the evening plays and performances. Equally exciting was occupying a commanding spot near elderly relatives armed with the wisdom of the ancient as they reeled out folktales punctuated by moral lessons. That was brilliant and beautiful. This book is an extension of the solemn remembrance and the call for an extension of our proud heritage. Esan Oye - Oye!.