Shadows

IGWE OCHA I

60 IGWE OCHA I You, maiden from Garden City, Sister to the plug that sparks, You who gently whispered in acquiescence ‘I am human,’ how from time to time My solitary heart hungers for those days, The light you brought into the last hours Of my odyssey. Our time together was brief Yet profound. I watched you blossom, your Confidence colossal, your simple sophistication Intimidating. How I long for those days, Nneka. And so I wonder what games nature Has up its sleeve, tantalizing us Only to toss distance and fate in between. How I recall those dusky strolls, and can still savour The echoes of all, of all, of everything good Even those frustrating encounters when you trusted And so soared above any doubts. The years have come And gone, and not even a word about you, But I hear that name in the wind whenever All is quiet and my soul left to itself Liberated from the qualms of life awake—Nneka! ‘There is no sunshine with you gone, and how You’ve gone so long.’ Blessings to you my friend!! ...