for modibo who reconnected

for modibo who reconnected

after years we
were
a-part

separ-
rated

but never lost o(-)r un
-connected to the
vine
torns an’ leaves
may have ignored
our aging... happy
that fateful
machete of fragility
came near us not

i have spoken your names

over meals...
on hills, valleys
swollen river banks
at universities...on ether waves
classrooms
in the silence of my ajoupa
on streets
where uncaring is acceptable

sacred memories of
strewn almonds
as carpet at our feet

the longest days pass every year
men no longer sing
an’ i miss your counsel

wise words of encouragement
all you shared
with that brash youngster armed with exercise book an’ ballpoint pen
is proven
truth

© rk ▲

published in DIALOGUE journal for Cultural Literacy

no1/vol.3