On September 2, 2026, Aeesha Abdullahi Alhaji’s new poem “Hunt” appeared on Brittle Paper, reflecting on memory, desire, and the enduring weight of history.
Alhaji’s latest work is more than just verse; it’s a narrative sculpted from collective experience. It invites readers to confront the cyclical nature of societal yearning, where the echoes of yesterday often dictate the realities of today.
Aeesha Abdullahi Alhaji, the voice behind “Hunt
Aeesha Abdullahi Alhaji herself embodies a rising force in contemporary African letters. A resident fellow of the Ebedi International Writer’s Residency, her voice carries the weight of observation and introspection, honed through dedicated craft.
She has cultivated a distinct presence, her poems weaving through themes that resonate deeply with the Nigerian condition. Her work often bridges the personal and the political, making her varied writings crucial for understanding. She is an artist whose words challenge established narratives and prompt profound self-examination.
From Minna to international journals
Born in Nigeria, Alhaji’s journey as a wordsmith has seen her featured in a constellation of literary journals, both local and international. Her verses have graced pages from the Chiron Review to the Rio Grande Review.
Her work has also appeared in Deep Overstock Magazine, Crank Magazine, and The Blue Minaret Journal, among others. These platforms showcase her expansive reach and the growing recognition of her distinctive poetic style.
Unpacking “Hunt”: A beast of memory
The poem “Hunt” itself unfolds in three parts, a relentless pursuit of a metaphorical “beast” that represents the past. Alhaji writes in her opening stanza: “they had it finally in a grip. letting the dead lie, in the mist, in the boughs behind, their whispers were there and urging them on.”
This imagery immediately plunges the reader into a primal scene where history is a tangible entity, captured and contested. The “captors wept,” suggesting a complex relationship with their quarry, a mix of triumph and sorrow.
The thirst for yesterday
Alhaji’s second stanza reveals the violent consumption of this captured past: “where they cut its chattering scales, and the blood ran free, they drank, desperate to slack nostalgias thirst.” This powerful metaphor captures a society’s desperate attempt to sate an insatiable longing for what once was.
The cost is immense; “a swiping claw cleaved a brother,” and “jaws came loose and snapped up a soul.” This highlights the destructive side of clinging too tightly to past grievances or idealized memories, a pattern seen in many historical systems.
The monster breaks free
The final section of “Hunt” depicts the monster’s inevitable escape. Alhaji writes: “with a terrible scream the monster broke its binds and fled. already the golden memories were fading, as hands found pikes and swords among those familiar petals.”
This suggests that even as the past is consumed, it remains untamed, elusive, and capable of inflicting further pain. The cyclical nature of conflict is implied, with the “thirst returned. dry. turning the past into ashes.”
A collective hunger
The poem closes with a chilling observation: “the men that lived, still hungered for the past.” It’s a testament to the enduring human and societal struggle to reconcile with history, a hunger that persists despite its destructive consequences.
Alhaji’s “Hunt” is a profound piece of social commentary. It forces readers to question the nature of collective memory and the relentless pursuit of an idealized, often dangerous, bygone era.
Alhaji’s broader literary landscape
Beyond “Hunt,” Aeesha Abdullahi Alhaji’s body of work consistently explores themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. Her poem “Musings Of A Loner,” published in Synchronized Chaos in 2022, offered an earlier glimpse into her contemplative style.
Other notable works include “Self-Portrait of a Pilgrim” and “Portraiture Of A New Race,” both published in Mukoli, showcasing her versatility. These titles hint at a deep engagement with self-discovery and collective identity within the Nigerian context.
Affiliations and impact
Alhaji’s standing in the literary community is further solidified by her memberships in the Prestigious Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation and the Minna Literary Society. These affiliations highlight her active role in nurturing and contributing to the broader African literary scene.
Her participation in the Ebedi International Writer’s Residency also marks her as a committed artist. It’s a platform that supports writers in their creative process, allowing talents like Alhaji to further refine their craft and expand their influence.
Brittle Paper: A platform for African voices
The publication of “Hunt” on Brittle Paper, a prominent African literature platform, underscores the poem’s significance. Founded in 2010 by Ainehi Edoro, Brittle Paper has become a vital space for African writers to share their work and engage with a global audience.
The platform’s commitment to showcasing emerging and established voices ensures that African literary endeavors, such as Alhaji’s poetry, reach a broad readership. This ensures the ongoing dialogue about African experiences and narratives.
The enduring questions of history
Aeesha Abdullahi Alhaji’s “Hunt” leaves readers with a haunting question: can societies ever truly escape the past they so desperately consume? The poem suggests a cycle where the pursuit of lost promises only leads to renewed thirst and destruction.
It’s a powerful testament to her skill as a Nigerian writer and poet, urging a deeper understanding of how collective memory shapes national identity. Her words serve as a mirror, reflecting the difficult truths that Nigeria, like many nations, must continue to confront.
