This poem "Wonders" is a philosophical allegory about man, pride, and ingratitude to his Creator.
1. And so my mind, in lengthy absence, Was curdled thoughtfully in passive presence.
The poet was in deep thought. He withdrew from noise to think clearly. "Curdled" here means his thoughts became thick and concentrated.
2. To the creatures of the Grand Creator, Again and again and again, he waged war.
Man, who is a creature of God, constantly fights other creatures and creation itself. This is man in conflict with nature and his fellow man.
3. Even the lion heeded not, But basked in his hurtful gut.
The "lion" is a metaphor for man. Even when warned, man continues to enjoy the evil he does. He lives in his hurtful ways.
4. As though all evil done was but a prologue, The lion pointed fingers at God.
Instead of taking responsibility, man blames God for the evil in the world. He treats his past evil as just an introduction.
5. The subsequent gesture became the clearest note: A second god, assumed, was worn as a coat.
After blaming God, man creates another god for himself - money, power, science, idols, technology - and wears it proudly like a coat. This is idolatry.
6. And to this height, the Grand Creator did not relinquish; Himself He cleverly did distinguish.
Despite man's arrogance, God did not abandon His throne. He remains distinct, supreme, and sovereign above all.
7. Why must the lion roar at Him who gifted him voice? Must he revere small gods over his Creator who gives choice?
This is the central question. Why should man, who was given voice, power and life by God, use that same voice to fight God? Why does he worship small things instead of the One who gave him free will?
8 & 9. The man-nature of the lion was a certain doubt... In the course of arrogance, the two-legged lion lost trust.
Here the poet reveals it: The lion is actually man - a two-legged lion. God gave man dominion and might to stand tall, but that might created doubt and arrogance. Because of that arrogance, man has lost God's trust, and there is a price to pay.
In one sentence: It is a poem about how man was given power by God, became proud like a lion, turned against his Maker, worshipped false gods, and lost the Creator's trust.
_Chinenye Emmanuel