From Boys To Men To Elders: A Poetic Journey Of Friendship

BISI ANYADIKE 

As a wife, I’ve watched my darling husband Chima and his two dear friends, Bayo and Dipo, (I use their first names behind their backs and on Facebook) grow from acquaintances in their early 30s into lifelong companions, now close to 80 years old and retired university lecturers. Their friendship, to me, is a living example of loyalty, love, and shared life’s journey, and I cease every opportunity to celebrate it.

In their 30s, Chima, Bayo, and Dipo met and quickly formed a bond that felt like brotherhood. I watched as they shared dreams, challenges, and laughter, supporting each other as they built their lives and families. Their friendship was a source of strength and joy, a compass pointing them toward hope and ambition.

As years turned into decades, their friendship deepened into a steady, unwavering support. They celebrated each other’s successes, stood together in hardships, and offered honest counsel without judgment. Their bond became a mirror reflecting their true selves, a safe harbour in life’s storms.

Now, in their late 70s, Chima, Bayo, and Dipo stand like great Iroko trees, their roots intertwined, providing shade and comfort to each other and their families. They share stories of their past, spanning Lagos- Isalẹ Eko to Ilesa, Ekwulọbịa, Ákwà Ibom and Taraba, offer gentle wisdom, and cherish each moment together. Their love and friendship are unconditional, a lantern guiding us all.

Though retired, their lives teach us lessons like the best university professors—through example, patience, and dedication. They show us how to live with integrity, compassion, and curiosity, inspiring all who know them to become lifelong learners.

A Toast to their Friendship

In their thirties, they met, three scholars with a dream. Chima, Bayo, Dipo—once known by their nicknames, WillieBoy, Lami‑K, and Jingo, it seems. From lecture halls to late night teas and Jazz music they bond. A brotherhood of minds, a friendship strong and fond.

Dipo, fierce as fire, a unionist who fought for every right. Jingo’s voice rang out, defending truth with all his might.

Bayo, the pharmacist, yet a poet of the arts,
Lami‑K’s verses danced, a melody that touched our hearts.

Chima, WillieBoy, the teacher who sparked countless pens from the stories- ours and others.
He raised writers, critics, artist and journalists alike, whose words still echo then.

Now retired, their lessons linger like early morning harmattan haze. A gentle echo of wisdom, love, and shared pain. I watch my husband, WillieBoy, smile when they convene. Their laughter rolls like waves on a familiar, sunlit scene.

Today, they gather, three friends, to honour one—Jingo. Turning seventy‑eight, his spirit still a glowing ember’s glow.

Their friendship, a living example, pure and true,
A living example of loyalty, of me, of you, of all they do. As a wife, I’m grateful for this shared song,
Three retired lecturers, whose hearts beat long.

May their days be gentle, their nights be kind,
And may their bond forever bind.

Well done my dear sisters Christy and Hannah, my co-wives, for being part of this beautiful journey of love and friendship.

We raise our glasses, toast to years of courage, art, and teaching. To the lives they’ve built, the stories they keep reaching.

Cheers!

Happy Birthday, Blessings Jingo