08/01/2024
THE EARLY YEAR
I like Warri early,
In January,
When the organisms within
Are just recovering from the smoulders
Of last year’s yuletide,
When their eyes are still heavy
And ruby with weighty hang over
Of unwarranted expenses.
I like Warri early,
In January,
When everyone is counting
And learning the calendar days
Of the first month afresh.
When everyone is peering
Into their reckoners like star gazers
To familiarize themselves with the tracks
That will lead to December again.
I like Warri early,
In January,
When the moon and the ocean
Just continue in their tidal affair
Like it is none of their business,
Hoping that Warri people
Would repent even better,
But soon it will be December again
And you will see them again.
…A husband picks a quarrel With his wife who just returned from market: “What did you do With all the money I gave you?” A cab driver is asking A gas station attendant: “When did price of fuel Go up again?” The people are so strafed. So lost… ...I lay awake at night In my bed Thinking of...
