I have always believed that great poetry should be the voice of reason.

When men lacked the language to communicate what they hold in their hearts, they resort to poetry.

Younglan's Elbow Room is a touring poem. Its title is misplaced. If I would name this poem, I would call it "Khadiija's Voice". Khadija being an unknown protester that joined in the #EndSars protest of 2020.

Elbow Room is a rejection. A rejection of our politics, our politicians, our system of governance, and our values. When he said "Look at us now, we are monsters", he could have been referring to the unprecedented, deadly, looting that happened during the lockdowns. Do you know, no one was killed during the main #EndSars protest in Jos, but that at least 3 people died at the warehouse where plateau citizens were looting?

We broke down the roofs of the structure, destroyed the gate, stole useless metals and went face to face with soldiers that had guns. We had become monsters.

But it is the making of selfish politicians, pot bellied big for nothing men that have denied us our rights and refused us the right to complain or cry. "An ordinary councilor in Tudun Wada has 6 cars", all bought with our tax payers money. When the new Councillor of Jenta Adamu came on board about 4 years ago, the first thing he did was to get a new car.

Yet every politician claims to be working for "your interest", the "voice of the masses", and to be worried about your plight. At least, when the election comes. Lies.

The touring thing in Younglan's poem is the hope. He lays his hope in the youths, that we will vote for the kind of society we want, and if our votes are rigged, we will vote again. And we will vote again. "Until the revolution becomes you and me".

A great poem should not end without hope. It should offer a vision. A dream. This one does that.

My only criticism of this work is that it was too short. Too short to say everything. But on a second thought, poetry should be short and mystical!

I expected to hear Edge Golbador say something, his voice was soothing but the absence of any words was disappointing.

There are very few poets in this city, Younglan is one of those. I'm always delighted by his work! Always. Dear Jos, you are blessed. Relish your greatness!

May we become the revolution.

You can find the poem here. https://alewahouse.com/watch/4583990495/

Much respect to Alewa House! This poem was neat. All your work has been neat.

Elbow Room review by Lengdung Tungchamma