We used to talk about brain drain from third-world countries to the West.
Does the happening in Nigeria not represent a more serious infection?
The inability to think deeply is what I call a thought drain.
It reminds me of the Yoruba folk tale about the dog and the tortoise.
In the story, there is a famine. The famine is so severe that everyone decides to kill their parents for food. When they have all done so, they are left with nothing to eat, and the famine persists.
Unknown to the rest, the dog had found a way of ensconcing his mother in heaven. So, while all animals lack food, the dog will always go to a spot where his mother will unfurl a chain from the skies. The dog will then go to heaven through the rope and be fed.
But one day, the tortoise notices that while others are losing weight due to a lack of food, the dog is not only well-fed but also well-kept.
The tortoise now asks the dog how he’s looking so good despite the famine.
The dog is wary because he knows the tortoise is very crafty. But then, he is persuaded and tells the tortoise to meet him somewhere on an appointed day.
The tortoise doesn’t fail. So, the dog begins a song,
Iya iya takun wale o
Alujan jan kii jan
Gbogbo araye pa yeye e je
Alu jan jan kii jan
Aja gbe tie o d’orun
Alu jan jan kii jan
Soon enough, a chain unfurls from heaven. The dog and the tortoise both go to heaven by climbing the chain.
The mother is surprised the dog could bring a stranger to their secret rendezvous. But then, she has no choice but to accept the tortoise.
They have their fill and even take some home.
However, there comes a day when the tortoise is very hungry. He doesn’t feel like asking the dog to take him to the spot since he knows the spot.
When he reaches the spot, he starts singing the song. Soon enough, the chain unfurls, and he begins to climb. However, as quickly as the mother dog notices it is not her child, she cuts the chain.
And the tortoise?
He is in midair, and he falls. But thankfully enough, he is only bruised but does not die.
However, its shell is cracked. That is why the tortoise’s shell remains cracked today.
My thinking is that we lack knowledgeable elders. Many are either dead or have traded their conscience for the proverbial mess of porridge.
Could we give those who are alive and still have feelings for the people a breathing space?
041223
