Lagos Molue - By Edwin Ondor

Written By: Edwin Ondor

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Edwin Ondor presents "Lagos Molue," a poignant work in the Poetry category. Through vivid imagery and keen observation, Ondor transports us to the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria. The poem captures the raw essence of a city's daily grind, particularly highlighting the iconic, often chaotic mode of transportation known as the Molue. This piece offers a stunning glimpse into the challenges and resilience of the human spirit in urban life.

About the Work

"Lagos Molue" by Edwin Ondor paints a vivid picture of life in Lagos, utilizing rich imagery and a compelling narrative style. The poem is imbued with a sense of urgency and tension, reflecting the chaotic rush and grim realities of commuting in the city. Ondor's use of metaphor and simile crafts a powerful emotional landscape, capturing both the physical and psychological journey of the passengers. Through his words, Ondor delivers a social commentary on poverty and perseverance.

Lagos Molue

Original Submission by Edwin Ondor

Lagos Molue

Patiently, they wait!

Clustered octopus

of depressed faces,

a sea of carved scowls in melancholy!

They wait for the moving coffin on wheels ,

death traps on Lagos roads!

Yet, they wait!

"Carry go! Oshodi straight !"

Boomed the bellowing cacophony of the conductor.

They run!

They jump!

They scamper,

a scattered flow

toward the moving oven!

They kick!

They pant,

yelling invectives in mother tongues !

They struggle

and tuggle,

gaining sitting and standing positions in the furnace!

They sit and brood!

They stand and stare ,

bees banished from life's honeycomb

in the market place!

Smoke as thick as fog emits from her entrails,

yet , the one-eyed driver pushes her beyond quaking endurance.

The coffin jerks and staggers in weaves of wobbling motions!

The passengers, Kindred spirits

bound by threads of suffocating poverty!

Rotten baskets of

Mile 12 tomatoes everywhere , in hidden heaps!

Yet,

Patiently ,

they wait,

for the dance of death to end!

Edwin Ondor

*Glossary*

Molue was once a popular means of transportation in Lagos , Nigeria among lower class citizens.

The buses, heavily subsidized ,were rickety affairs adorning the Lagos landscape with ubiquitous presence.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the creativity and talent of writers worldwide. The competition invites submissions across various categories, providing a platform for both emerging and established voices to share their unique perspectives through poetry and storytelling. It is a vibrant showcase of the power of words to transcend borders and connect diverse audiences.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Edwin Ondor for sharing "Lagos Molue" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His evocative depiction of life in Lagos offers readers a profound reflection on resilience and community. Thank you, Edwin, for enriching the competition with your powerful and memorable poetry.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.