The poem 'Abiku' by J. P. Clark addresses the concept of an 'Abiku,' a spirit child in Yoruba belief who dies and is reborn repeatedly. The speaker implores the Abiku to stay and embrace life rather than constantly returning to the spirit realm. The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the harsh living conditions, such as leaking roofs and vulnerable bamboo walls, yet emphasizes the resilience and continuity of life. The speaker acknowledges the marks and scars on the Abiku, symbolizing past struggles and the hope for permanence. The poem reflects on the exhaustion of the mother, whose body is tired from nurturing a child who may not stay. Through this, Clark captures the cyclical nature of life and death, the longing for stability, and the cultural significance of the Abiku phenomenon in African societies. The poem is rich with symbolism and cultural references, highlighting the tension between the spiritual and physical worlds.