ANGELA and TIME

(To Chancellor Angela Merkel at 1) [* use glossary below*]

Time flies
but you've used it well
Time tries
yet you be in shape
Let them flay
but I say, Bravo
No be joke o!

Time fries
but you've stayed afresh
Time ties
yet you be not-bound
Let them say
but we pray for you
Ko easy rara!

Twelve moons be long
be short
Twelve cuts be tip
be deep
But try two juggernauts
tied with weary nuts
for size
Hahaha!
Try cheery ride
for metro pride
Hohoho!
Here be the queue, the clue:
Measured - it be speed watch
Treasured - it be honk sense
Seizure - you mind the kids
Closure - you fix old angst
Pleasure - you note the cops
Metro Monster, City Limits!
Sweet may monster
stiff be limits...
No magic wand, Precious
It's the Prose of Life-
the Poetics of Politics!

Twelve moons have held
the truce
Twelve moons have shelled
the team
Times have changed
much will change
as time ranges...anew
This Angela can make a change
be the change...minding the queue
and blending the clue
All change!

For the time just gone
All Thanks - danke schon
For the trials so here
Pray Peace - shalom
For the swell World Cup
All Hail - bravo
For tasks all due, very due
Pray Strength and Health
To be Chancellor
and wise counsellor
All Hail - be one

Now Angela, be the trunk
not a branch, for peace
Dear Chancellor, be the farmer
not barn-keeper, at last
Clear the stables
set the tables
Boost the wealthy
fight poverty...
to death!

Let them say
but put Germany ahead
Let them flay
but hold Europe to health
For, when the monster meets
the metro, all heights
be tamed
The world be sure ya stage
and now ya page:
Play well, act right, script on
As we say in AJ City:
Carry Go, Sister...
Na ya time, biko
Wallahi!

**Glossary**
No be joke o ----------------It's no joke. It's tough. Tasking. No laughing matter.
Ko easy rara - --------------It's not easy. Not a piece of cake. No soft choices. [Yoruba]
AJ City ---------------------Ajegunle, a huge slum settlement in Lagos, Nigeria,
famous for producing great musical and football talents.
Carry Go, Sister ------------Ride on. Forge ahead. Keep on track. No back-sliding.
Na ya time, biko ------------It's your time, your turf. You're in demand. [Pidgin/Ibo]
Wallahi----------------------Truly. Honestly. Yes. Affirmation. [Hausa]


As first woman chancellor of Germany, the EU economic powerhouse and a major contributor to UN finances, Mrs Angela Merkel's first anniversary in office cannot, must not, go unheralded. So in Germany, so internationally.Ultimately, only the electorate will decide her government's fate, but we can and should express our views, and our take - in this global village of our commons. The verse speaks to them and us. It signposts our privilege and honour to share both heart-felt commendations and strategic recommendations around the globe.

And, hey, isn't it fun to learn a few slangs from AJ City? And hints of local tongues? You bet. AJ is already world-famous, so add it to your lexicon please. You know, despite all our travels and education, many Nigerians (and saavy foreigners) speak our cherished "pidgin english" or what you may call "broken english". Adverts, preachers and marketers, including official government programmes, feast on this unofficial lingua franca. Using it here is a treat and a real mark for Merkel.

Many happy returns, Chancellor, and kudos to the Grand Coalition!