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  • When Brothers Gather
  • J.T. Okonkwo (bio)

When brothers gatherthey are taught to take oji into their handsto bless it and break it and share

Sometimes between the drum beats and the frenzyI dread the day the elders will have frozen in their sleepand will no longer warm us with their wisdom

When that day comeswhen I have stood firm against the oncoming masqueradewill my crooked prayers satisfywill the spirits welcome home a son that stumbles in his mother's tongue

Between the drum beats and the frenzyI fear but for the sugar in our teeththat the oji will not break for me [End Page 120]

J.T. Okonkwo

Jude T. Okonkwo is currently a student at Harvard University, studying Integrative Biology and English. In his free time, he explores his passions for music performance and creative writing.

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