THE CHAMPION

A Poem by Akinlolu

There comes a time when even the most arrogant learn the meaning of limitation and the need for humility.

Gogan was the maidens' champion,
Undefeated wrestler without peer.
His legacy carved in tales and stone,
A mortal who made immortals fear.

He hurled challenges at the gods themselves,
Scaled Olympus to its highest peak.
Defeated monsters in their darkest dens,
Accomplished feats of which none dare speak.

The Gorgon fell before his mighty hands,
Where Jason's quest had nearly failed.
He founded movements across many lands,
His influence and power widely hailed.

We sent our thunder to humble his pride,
It merely tickled his battle-scarred skin.
What lurked beneath his mortal disguise
Was something divine hidden within.

Pride goes before the fall, the ancients warned.
Yet Gogan stood tall, unfazed by threat,
Until he challenged mighty Awon the Great
A decision he would soon regret.

Spectators gathered from realms three:
Heaven, Earth, and the depths of Hell.
No rules constrained this fateful meeting,
No referee to sound the final bell.

Not for glory or champion's belt they fought,
But life itself hung in the balance there.
The sacred grounds became an arena,
Charged with tension thick as mountain air.

Gogan flexed, his muscles rippled like waves,
Impressive to mortal and god alike.
Awon merely breathed, clenched steady hands;
Forests shattered like brittle spikes.

When Gogan's foot struck the trembling ground,
The earth responded with a mighty quake.
When Awon stamped his celestial heel,
Distant volcanoes roared awake.

Gogan roared, fierce as a lion king,
His followers erupted in wild praise.
Awon whispered, softer than falling snow
Yet thunderous enough to end all days.

The champion paused, then hesitated,
As wisdom finally pierced his heart.
"What manner of being stands before me?"
He turned and walked away, a different art.

Sometimes victory lies in recognition,
Of battles that should remain unfought.
"What kind of monster is this?" he wondered,
As humility became his final thought.

Image Credit: Pixabay

© 2025 Akinlolu

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Reviews

emmajoygreen

Recommended to read your poem and am pleased that I have. You've used very fine metre and yet made the 'tale' within the poem read in a natural way. The content was well laid start to finish and also taught a lesson that far more people should take on board, go through life without taking prime place in everything you do.: go slowly and carefully, be humble and good to know.

Posted 5 Months Ago

5 Months Ago

Dear Emmajoy,
Good to hear from you. I feel flattered that you like this piece. Thanks for y.. read more

5 Months Ago

Thanks again for stopping by

Betty Hermelee

Hi there!
A very interesting poem/ story.... I think the motto is not to necessarily win but to be humble, and to realize that battles need not to be fought....use wisdom, not might...use "humility" fighting wars do not make you a better person.....love the details and the characters though I don't recognize them.
NICE!
Warmly, B

Posted 7 Months Ago

View 0 more replies

7 Months Ago

Hi Betty. Thanks for your review. I grew up beating up guys thrice my size whenever they crossed my .. read more

7 Months Ago

Akin….i love your writing, very powerful and great images! keep it up!
warmly, ab🌷🌷�.. read more

7 Months Ago

Thank you. I will

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609 Views
2 Reviews

Added on May 8, 2025
Last Updated on May 8, 2025
Previous Versions

Version 1
May 8, 2025

Version 2
May 8, 2025

Author

Akinlolu

Lagos, South west Nigeria, Nigeria

About

Akinlolu will not consider himself the best of writers until he becomes a hundred years old. In the meantime he strives towards becoming the best by continually writing poetic descriptions and critici.. more..