I love the fisherman,
With his boat and net and patience
He has ransacked the seas
And brought home fish and crab
To chase the stranger in my stomach away.
I love the blacksmith
He has gone through fire
To mint me guns and swords and shields,
So that the enemies of my country
Shall see me and flee.
I love the teacher,
With the price of the chalk
He has bought me sense
At folly's expense.
I love the soldier,
He whips me to his whims,
Points my attention to his gun,
Flexes his broad chest
And says to shoot me if I don't love him.
And I love the poet
Because he has taught me
To love the first three for love,
To love a soldier for fear
And to love a poet for he is a poet.
Obodokasi Agbor
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/many-reasons-to-love/
