Introduction: Gabriel Okara is a Nigerian poet and novelist. His verse has been translated into several languages. In the year 1960, he established himself as an accomplished writer. He was honoured with the Commonwealth Poetry Award. In this poem, the poet Gabriel Okara painfully condemns the falsity displayed by adults, both in their words and actions.

Laughing: Once upon a time the people used to laugh with their hearts; and laugh with their eyes. But now: The people laugh with their teeth; and laugh with their ice-block-cold eyes. (eyes without any warmth(emotions)). Once everything was genuine but now everything is fake.

Once everyone was honest and sincere but now everyone is acting like honest and sincere.

Shaking hands: Once people shook hands with their hearts. But now people shake hands without hearts. In the meanwhile, their left hands search out empty pockets.

Coming home: The first time, when we visit a house, people say’ Feel at home! Come again.

When we visit the same house for the third time, the doors will be closed.

Wearing many faces: The poet has learnt to wear many faces like dresses. They wear home face, host face, office face, street face and cocktail face (face with mixed emotions)

Words not from hearts: The words that come from the tip of their tongues and not from the depth of their hearts are good-bye, glad to meet you, nice talking to you.

Conclusion: The poet wants to become a child again to laugh, shake hands, and welcome others and wearing faces genuinely. He wants to relearn real things. He doesn’t like to show his teeth like a snake’s bare fangs (venomous snake’s poisonous teeth). The poet wants to speak from his heart to retain good relationship.