SECRETS
(For M.)

My star fell on the shore, where
Two rivers screw
From atop the hill with digital flash
A secret longing burned

The wet city with graveyards
Of violent history, and fish under
The cold slush of
Recall

Nights and days flitted
Until the pyramids appeared
Holding the star
In secret crevices

Wetting the city
The cries echoed the confluence of
Longing, as sinful flashes
Of pain burned

One got to hear more
Thro’ pear-shaped instruments of
Secret chants, under grey moons
And bluish suns

When will the star fall again? Must
It be in yonder hills
Or hither where asphalt and zinc
Make a heaven for the rich?

Abuja, 3 July 2005