DAURA GIRL

This is the picture
You gave me
When I was passing through
Your village near Daura
You sneaked out of your
father’s high walls
To meet the southerner
You said you would like to see the south
But your father… but your custom.
 
And you left me this photograph
To remember you with.
I was only looking at your face
Baffled by your native beauty
And mesmerized by your
Innocent courage
 
And I was just a passerby
 
Today at home,
Near Ikot Ekpene,
As I look at this picture
I see the eyes of a Hausa girl.
Possessed with oneness
Maybe you have been drinking
From the big green bottle
Of peace and unity.