THE CRIPPLE AT THE CITY GATE. (REMEMBERING ASUNMO)

 

THE CRIPPLE AT THE CITY GATE.

(REMEMBERING ASUNMO)

A cripple is one who has lost or never had use of his limb(s), usually the legs.

Symbolically, a cripple is perceived as being in a disadvantaged situation. He can't even flee from danger on an impulse. He is looked down upon. At best he gets pity. Most people who give him do so, not because they really care about him, but in obedience to some religious tenets.

The cripple at the Beautiful Gate readily comes to mind. (Bible: Acts 3:1-8)

Despite being there for many years he was not noticed when Jesus was around but got his salvation after.

But he is not the focus of this post.

My mind is on the one at the CITY GATE.

Gates, thresholds and doors are all symbolic entrances into new worlds.

These entrances can be into a new life or they might represent communication between one world and another world, between the living and the dead. The symbolism between gate and threshold is very similar.

City Gates are so significant. Besides being part of a city’s protection against invaders, city gates are places of central activity.

Important business transactions are made, information about the city and public announcements are heralded at the City Gate.

So much happens and so much information flows at the City Gate.

The Cripple sitting at the City Gate is inconsequential to passersby. They give so little or no cognizance to him or his presence.

Yet he listens to every conversation. He watches every deal. He knows the city dwellers from the strangers. He knows when the wind is approaching, and even its strength and direction. Like the Cripple in Yoruba's 'Ogun awitele....', he knows when danger is looming.

He knows more thrift than the merchant.

He has more information than the tribune. (Not the Newspaper)

His wisdom surpasses the sage.

He even has a repertoire of immigration and emigration.

But like the clown along Caesar's way, nobody wants his opinion. Emperors would rather not bend down to listen to the Cripple at the City Gate.

But the guy at the Beautiful Gate was luckier.

Not so the one at the City Gate.

There are people who seem so inconsequential yet have so much potential. They are most often poor and wretched. Their looks belie the knowledge they possess.

The messenger or mail clerk in an establishment knows about every transaction and has seen every document. He has more information than everybody around.

The cleaner who sweeps round the house knows what is in every nook and cranny.

The lowly peasant you overlook has more knowledge than the professor.

They have knowledge and information that could make a difference between life and death, success and failure.

So, always watch out for the Cripples at your life's City Gate. Insignificant as they seem, they know so much about so many things.

This write up is inspired by the memory of ASUMO, a cripple beggar, in my Primary School days, who sat under a tree at the junction between Ago Ijaye Primary School and UAMC (Eleja) Primary School on Jebba Street in Ebute Metta west, Lagos.

If you wanted information about anything or anybody on Jebba Street, ask Asunmo.

God bless his soul wherever he is now.