Ogba River at Noon, Osahon Oka (September 2026)

Ogba River at Noon

Now the river has rounded the stones,
smothered their luster with shadows;
calm the beseeching feet, whispering grass.
We have come mudding the wending corridors.
 
Black, the emotionless face
stealing in and out of dark ripples:
shadows are flinging their arms into the distance
thronging with egrets and lilies.
Calm the beseeching feet, tender with pleas.
We have come: cockerel, drink, coconut and cowries.
 
River bosom slapping the paddle
beat of lapping canoes from their hands,
the restless hips of nymphs are wandering into the dance.
Calm the beseeching feet, steeped with toes.
We have come to lay praise on your lips.