Silas Bamigbola
In a world filled with challenges and opportunities, the quest to become equipped and resourceful men is an aspiration shared by many young individuals. To embark on this journey, we turn to the wisdom of a simple yet profound poem:
FECUND MIND
If you want to set
The soles of your feet
On lands and to realms you have never been,
Caress, smooch, and romance books.
The mind is a wide, bare, fecund land,
Where needful trees must be rooted in,
And if left to fallow,
Weeds find their abodes on it.
Like whetstones to swords,
Sharpen and hone your mind with books,
And in years to come,
With it, you rip the flesh of enemies,
And heal the souls of men.
–Silas Bamigbola (Lost Boys)
The words above, inspire us to unlock our potential through the power of knowledge. Let’s delve into how this poem embodies the essence of becoming equipped and resourceful men.
1. Setting Foot on Uncharted Lands
The first stanza of the poem urges us to set our soles on uncharted lands. This is a metaphor for exploring new territories, be it in our careers, personal lives, or the pursuit of wisdom. To embark on this journey, we must “caress, smooch, and romance books.” Books are our guides, mentors, and windows to the world’s collective knowledge. By immersing ourselves in literature, we equip our minds with the tools to navigate the unknown.
2. The Fecund Mind
The mind, as described in the poem, is portrayed as a wide, bare, fecund land. Just like fertile soil, the mind must be cultivated with care. Neglect allows weeds to take root, symbolizing the dangers of ignorance and misinformation. To become equipped and resourceful men, we must nurture our minds by sowing the seeds of knowledge and critical thinking. It is through this process that the “needful trees” of wisdom take root, giving us the foundation for growth.
3. Sharpening the Mind with Books
The second stanza emphasizes the importance of sharpening our minds with books. Much like a whetstone hones a blade, books serve as the tools for honing our intellect and skills. In the words of the poem, we are reminded that with a well-prepared mind, we can “rip the flesh of enemies” and “heal the souls of men.” This dichotomy reflects the dual power of knowledge β the ability to overcome challenges and contribute positively to the lives of others.
In conclusion, the journey to becoming equipped and resourceful men is one that demands constant nurturing of the mind. The poem “FECUND MIND” serves as a timeless reminder that books and the pursuit of knowledge are our faithful companions on this path. We must embrace them wholeheartedly, for it is through our commitment to learning that we will thrive, overcome adversities, and make a lasting impact on the world.
In a world where opportunities abound, and challenges are ever-present, it is our responsibility to harness the power of the fecund mind, to set foot on uncharted lands, and to embrace the wisdom that books offer. Through this, we can become equipped and resourceful men, poised to shape the future with knowledge as our ally.