What Counts, a poem by Professor Ikechukwu Benjamin Ezeohagwu

I.

Does not count

be a Catholic, or Protestant,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

II.

Does not count

be an Ahmaddiya, or Ansar Ud Deen,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

III.

Does not count

be a Professor, or Pastor,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

IV.

Does not count

be a cleaner,  or manager,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

V.

Does not count

be a President, or Citizen,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

VI.

Does not count

be a Police or Soldier,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

VII.

Does not count

be a drummer or dancer,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

VIII.

Does not count

be a writer, or reader,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

IX.

Does not count

be a husband, or wife,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

X.

Does not count

be a seller or buyer,

a human you are.

Noble thoughts, volitions,

and actions,

so lawful count,

before the laws

of goodness, as decisive,

as first step, Upwards!

Ben Ezeohagwu won the Onigraffiks Prize for literature (2017).  He is Professor of Graphonomy and Chancellor, African American University, Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin and can be reached at Emailbenezeohagwu@yahoo.com, www.africanamericanuniversity.org, 08173175540.

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Neptune Prime Weekly Magazine (07 – 08 Feb 2026)

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