Africa Talks to You

by Tobi Kassim


All changed from the glass high above the compound
I see you in the dark window of the rainy season.
The window barred severely, rain cutting our clothesline.
I see it twice to live it strangely.
Therefore the dirt path narrows and leads to the hospital.
Therefore black lizards lift their orange heads.
To make what I have lived make room for you.
Bats hung with bananas until they uncloaked at dusk.
What narrow way leads to your full face?
When did the dandelions bloom on the hill
That led to the red house? I remember a trash fire.
For all my sheepish love, I forgot your name
Breathing the grease of it. Breaking bark of sugar cane.
My childhood finding form, fire and former rain.
 

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